Des Vignes: I serve all of Tobago

PNM Tobago Council PRO Kwesi Des Vignes has sidestepped the claim made by Assemblyman Sheldon Cunningham that a PNM official was undermining him by distributing food cards in the Mason Hall/Moriah/Providence electoral district.

On May 18, the district’s representative, Sheldon Cunningham, alleged during a Tobago Channel 5 interview that a PNM official was distributing food cards in the area without proper protocol.

Cunningham, Assistant Secretary in the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment, also claimed declaration forms were not being signed.

He said he had reported the matter to Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis who has called for more evidence.

On Friday, Des Vignes was asked if he was the PNM official to whom Cunningham was referring.

Des Vignes did not confirm or deny but said he had “served the people of Tobago for a long time and I continue to do so.

“I take pride in what I do.”

Des Vignes, who is also Secretary in the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment, said there is a clear process for the distribution of the food cards and other social relief initiatives.

He added it is not unusual for representatives to assist people in their respective electoral districts and elsewhere.

“All over Tobago there would be representatives, and this is from Mr (Farley) Augustine (Speyside/L’Anse Fourmi/Parlatuvier) to Mr (Clarence) Jacob (Canaan/Bon Accord) because not only have I helped persons fill out forms for rental assistance or BDU (Business Development Unit) grants or food cards, I have also distributed hampers the length and breadth of Tobago, seedlings the length and breadth of Tobago and each of these have a clear process, especially the food cards.”

He continued: “I think the Chief Secretary dealt with it quite well. There are forms to be filled out, sent into the unit at the Division of Finance and the Economy. They do their requisite research and cards are then issued…It is a serious thing.”

Des Vignes said he and his staff members in the division have been assisting people all over Tobago.

Questioned about the issue last Wednesday at the post executive council media briefing, Dennis said after taking a preliminary look into Cunningham’s claims of irregularities in the distribution of food cards, he saw no wrongdoing.

He said he spoke to Cunningham and is awaiting further information to verify the claims.

Dennis said while representatives have been assisting people to apply for food cards, they had no say in approving food card forms.

He added the Division of Finance and the Economy would verify the information and successful applicants would be called to collect their cards.

Dennis said he trusts all assemblymen to operate with integrity.