Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar with THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine
By Alicia Chamely
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is committing to continued engagement with Tobago House of Assembly (THA) following the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) landslide victory on Monday.
On Monday, the TPP made a historic clean sweep in the THA elections, winning all 15 electoral districts.
Taking to her Facebook page, Persad-Bissessar extended her well wishes to TPP’s Political Leader and THA Chief Secretary Farley Chavez Augustine and the TPP executive, congratulating them on their victory.
Persad-Bissessar stated, “I extend sincere congratulations, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to the Honourable Farley Chavez Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, and to the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) on their decisive and historic victory in the Tobago House of Assembly elections, securing all fifteen (15) seats and achieving a clean sweep across the island.”
She further congratulated the people of Tobago, noting the outcome of the election reflected the confidence they had in the TPP’s leadership and “vision” for the future of the island.
Persad-Bissessar expressed her government’s “continued cooperation and constructive engagement with the Tobago House of Assembly in advancing the social, economic, and institutional development of Tobago.”
Also posting to social media, Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles extended her congratulations to Augustine and the TPP.
Beckles noted the low voter turnout and the landslide win of the TPP, stating this spoke to public satisfaction and gave the People’s National Movement (PNM) a start point in rebuilding Tobago’s trust.
She stated, “The PNM understands the necessity of reflection as we work toward rebuilding our party and regaining the trust and confidence of the people.”
Addressing the PNM candidates and the PNM Tobago Island Council, Beckles thanked them for offering themselves to service and for supporting the PNM.
Beckles further thanked Leader of the PNM Tobago Island Council Ancil Dennis for his service and commitment to not only the PNM but to the people of Tobago.
She stated, “I wish to thank Mr. Ancil Dennis for his service, leadership, dedication, and continued commitment to the people of Tobago and the People’s National Movement prior to and during this election campaign.”
Beckles, in the face of such a dramatic election loss, stated, “The People’s National Movement remains committed to constructive engagement, national unity, and the pursuit of a stronger and more united Trinidad and Tobago. We will regroup and return stronger and better ready to serve the people of Tobago, and of Trinidad and Tobago.”
