Examine the horns

KINNESHA GEORGE-HARRY

“EVERYONE has the right to associate, but we look on with interest and we are saying to the Tobagonian, be careful.”

These were the words of vice chairman of the Tobago Council of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Wendell Berkley, as he urged Tobagonians to be aware of a newly-formed coalition – The Tobago Liberation and Empowerment Team.

Having met with stakeholders on the island recently, the team which comprises the leaders of three political parties – Ashworth Jack of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP), Christlyn Moore of the Tobago Forwards, and Hochoy Charles of The Platform of Truth (TPT)– has been given a mandate to prepare the structure for Tobago to speak with a united voice on Tobago issues. The leaders are then expected to report back to citizens within six weeks' time.

In setting the mandate, the leaders said that they have been asked to “mend any fractures” they may have had in the Tobago political space over the years.

But Berkley had a warning for Tobagonians on Monday during the council’s monthly media briefing at the its Scarborough office.

“We have observed another formation of a party. We have to examine the horns.

“We look at a resurrection of the TOP and we know that the TOP is closely aligned to the UNC (United National Congress). We look at the Tobago Forwards, whose leader herself was a minister with the UNC and we find the truth – The Platform of Truth somewhere mixed up inside there. I just have a question mark there. We look on with interest and we just want to tell Tobagonians, examine the horns.”

He reiterated that the PNM is not known to get involved in internal party squabbles.

“… because we mind our business. But in minding our business, we are in the business of politics and therefore, we have a responsibility to ensure that in Tobago, we provide the political environment that is best for Tobago.

“So when we see things shaping in a different way, even though we do not intervene in the people’s business, we have to point it out to Tobagonians because the time is going to come when we are going to offer you the choice…the PNM or… the 'or' might not be a good choice."

The party’s public relations officer Kwesi DesVignes also weighed in on the new movement referring to it as "old wine in new skin".

“Its make-up, break-up to probably make-up and break-up again, clearly.

“That is not the kind of stability that we want. The People’s National Movement is based on principles – on democratic principles. We’ve had free elections– one man one vote for our political leader and our chairman as well, and we also have all our officers duly elected. So we are the only party, and we remain the only party, that operates in Tobago with a legitimate democratic mandate. The rest of parties are clear monarchies or even tyrants running about pretending to be politicians.”

DesVignes said good governance should always be the discussion when moving forward and he urged Tobagonians not to be sidetracked with old talk and easy narratives.

One week ago, Political Leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) Watson Duke also weighed in on the discussion of the Tobago Liberation and Empowerment Team, distancing himself from claims by members of the team that he was approached and discussions are ongoing for his party to be a part.

“They are all my political friends, but I am not aware as to what you speak nor am I familiar with the name Tobago Liberation and Empowerment Team nor with the ideals of that organisation. They (members) are all my friends and I will not say anything more on that.

“I am willing to talk to anyone as one who wants to engage in governance for all. It is important that you listen to all. I say, as political leader of the PDP and the minority leader, and as one who is looking at this country nationally, I have to talk to everyone. As to whether we decide to conform and become one or remain separate is something only proper discussions can bring.”