Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar alongside newly-elected members of the Tobago House of Assembly, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, Minister Jearlean John, and Minister Barry Padarath. Photo/Facebook
By Alicia Chamely
TOBAGO House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says he returns to the THA with accountability and thanked supporters ensuring the Tobago People’s Party’s (TPP’s) anchor held.
Augustine was sworn into office on Thursday by President Christine Kangaloo at the THA Legislature Building, Scarborough, after Monday’s landslide victory in the THA 2026 elections, which saw the TPP capture all 15 electoral districts.
After the swearing in ceremony, Augustine crossed the road to address a crowd of fervent supporters in the CLR James Park, which he referred to as Tobago’s “Woodford Square.”
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar joined Augustine, giving brief remarks. She said Tobago’s push for autonomy could have not happened without Augustine and the TPP.
Congratulating the TPP, she reminisced on her last visit to Tobago, saying, “The last time I was here, I was across there making a little speech. At the end of the speech, I said “I pray the anchor holds!”
“Those were my last words, and the anchor did hold!” she said.
Among the cheers, Augustine said, “Let me say this plainly. I do not return triumphant. I return accountable, because accountability must never be a slogan, but a system.”
“You have returned me to serve again as your chief secretary, not because the work is finished, but because the work is far from done,” he said, “you have returned us because you believe to be who deserves steady hands, clear eyes, and a government that listens, acts and delivers.”
Noting the official election results, Farley stated while the party lost 600 votes as compared to the 2021 elections, they retained just over 16,000.
Augustine said while the opposing People’s National Movement (PNM) lost votes, the TPP was “holding steady anchor.”
Discussing amendments to the THA Act being laid before parliament on Friday, Augustine explained two amendments were being tabled which helped pave the way for a more autonomous Tobago.
Augustine said the first amendment to the Act would allow for a larger quorum in THA debates. He said currently a quorum for any debate to be heard was 9, and the amendment would increase the quorum to 15, allowing for more proportional representation.
The second amendment to be made, he said, would allow for the increase in the number of THA secretaries.
Augustine said the increased secretaries “gives us some more flexibility but allows us to create efficiency.”
He said this amendment would allow them to introduce a new division for legal affairs for the THA, which would be headed up by attorney Adana Joseph.
Augustine gave assurance that the TPP would not abuse their position having no opposition, and the party was committed to serving all Tobagonians regardless of their political affiliation.
