By Sue-Ann Wayow and Faith Edwards

THE Tobago People’s Party (TPP) Members of Parliament will be focusing not on division but on delivery during their time in Parliament.

History was again made on Friday as Member of Parliament for Tobago West Joel Sampson and Member of Parliament for Tobago East David Thomas took their seats on the government’s side of the House of Representatives at the First Session of the 13th Parliament. It was the first time in 25 years that Tobago has to MPs in the Parliament.

Sampson gave greetings on behalf of TPP’s political leader and Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Farley Augustine, Thomas and himself.

He said, “We have come to this chamber not as individuals, but as servants of the people of Tobago who have spoken firmly and decisively. It is both an honour and a responsibility to bring their voices, concerns and aspirations to this national platform.

“As we commence the 13th Republican Parliament, we do so with a firm commitment to meaningful participation. We are not here to posture, we are here to work and advocate for what is fair and just for Tobago, contribute constructively to national policy and help strengthen the unity between our islands.  We are ready to engage and work with our colleagues across all sides. Our focus is not division, but delivery. This is not about party lines, it’s about people.”

“Let our actions in this Parliament reflect the trust placed in us as we strive for a stronger, more united Trinidad and Tobago,” Sampson said.

The TPP has maintained that while the party will have a clear voice in Parliament, it chose not to be a part of the ministerial Cabinet led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar but instead will work in conjunction with.