By Sue-Ann Wayow
TWO decades of consecutive People’s National Movement (PNM) rule in Tobago were broken by the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) on Monday.
Preliminary results showed that the PDP may have won 12 out of the 15 seats in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections.
“AS of midnight tonight, there is change on the island of Tobago,” declared Deputy Leader of the PDP Farley Chavez Augustine on Monday night. It was a jab at the phrase used by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley at press conferences to announce measures to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
The PDP led by Watson Duke copped at least 12 out of the 15 electoral districts, also gaining the popular vote based on preliminary results. Its party’s colours were green and black. The PNM colour is red.
Some 51,383 people were eligible to vote in the election.
PNM’s Ancil Dennis will soon no longer be Chief Secretary of the THA and PDP’s deputy leader Augustine is expected to take his place.
On January 25, the PDP had also created history by holding the PNM in a six-six draw when the THA election was held.
Following the tie, Dr Rowley, the political leader of the PNM announced that measures will be undertaken to have 15 electoral districts since both parties could not come to a consensus regarding the leadership in the THA.
Tobago Revolution
Describing the night as special and the beginning of a Tobago revolution, Augustine who gave the PDP’s victory speech at around 10.42 pm, said Tobago’s dream had come alive.
He praised his political leader and described him as the biggest dreamer of all starting off on his own as an independent candidate and by 2017 was leading his own party.
Extending gratitude to all 15 candidates and voters, Augustine said, “Whatever the final count will be tomorrow, the PDP is grateful.”
He also gave thanks to his family members who supported him throughout the entire election process.
He pledged to Tobagonians, “ We promise you we will transform this place.”
The PDP’s deputy leader made a covenant with Tobagonians to provide a more transparent THA with no inequality in the distribution of resources.
“We cannot behave like those we replaced tonight,” Augustine declared.
Sending a strong message to the Prime Minister he said, “You cannot treat Tobagonians the way you want.”
He also warned, “Do not spite Tobago.”
Augustine said he hoped that the PDP will be able to have a cordial relationship with the PNM leader for the better development of Tobago.
PNM still strong
In her concession speech at around 10.20 pm, PNM’s Tobago political leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine said the PNM was still strong and alive and will be looking at new ways to reach the people of Tobago.
Davidson-Celestine contested the Signal Hill/ Patience Hill district but lost to the PDP’s Nigel Taitt.
She said, “We still have our candidates who will work on behalf of the PNM… We will not stop until we are able to take control of the THA once again.”
Davidson-Celestine congratulated the new party while admitting the PNM’s defeat.
“Of course we are saddened by the loss tonight,” she said.
The loss was an opportunity for the party to regroup and do additional introspection to chart a new way forward, the Tobago leader said. The PNM was in control of the THA since 2001.
The swearing-in of the new THA leaders is scheduled for Thursday.
Preliminary results are below:
| Bagatelle/Bacolet:
PDP: Nathisha Charles-Pantin – PNM: Joel Jack IDA: Keon Clarke |
| Belle Garden/Glamorgan:
PDP: Dr Faith B. Yisrael PNM: Kenneth Thomas |
| Bethel/New Grange:
PDP: Terrance Baynes – PNM: Downie Marcelle – IDA: Denise Tsoi-A-Fatt- Angus |
| Bethesda/Les Coteaux:
PDP: Zorisha “Zia” Hackett PNM: Brian Thomas IDA: Adonnii Jacob |
| Bon Accord/Crown Point:
PDP: Joel “Nuttsy” Sampson PNM: Clarence Jacob – IDA: Kaye Trotman |
| Buccoo/Mt. Pleasant:
PDP: Sonny Craig PNM: Ancil Dennis |
| Darrel Spring/Whim:
PDP: Abby Taylor PNM: Kelvon Morris IDA: Elon Berkley |
| Lambeau/Lowlands:
PDP: Wane “Wasp” Clark PNM: Kino McKenzie IDA: Leroy George |
| Mason Hall/Moriah:
PDP: Ian “Whitey” Pollard – PNM: Laurence Hislop IDA: Keach Gibbs |
| Mt St George/Goodwood):
PNM: Charles Adams PDP: Megan Morrison IDA: Avernell Manswell |
| Parlatuvier/L’Anse Fourmi/Speyside:
PDP: Farley Chavez Augustine PNM: Franka Cordner IDA: Stacy Herbert |
| Plymouth/Black Rock:
PDP: Niall George PNM: Learie Paul IDA: Marlon Brizan |
| Roxborough/Argyle:
PDP: Watson Duke PNM: Nadine Stewart Phillips |
| Scarborough/Mt Grace:
PDP: Trevor James PNM: Marslyn Melville-Jack IDA: Aldrin Phillips |
| Signal Hill/ Patience Hill:
PDP: Nigel Taitt PNM: Tracy Davidson-Celestine IDA: Kemisha Kerr |
In 2017 the PNM won ten seats and PDP two in the THA elections.
The three seats won by the PNM were newly created by the Elections and Boundary Commission, the preliminary results showed. They are Darrel Spring/Whim, Lambeau/Lowlands and Mt St George/Goodwood.
