Rowley endorses Cudjoe, Webster-Roy

BACK AGAIN: Tobago East MP Ayanna Webster-Roy, left, and Tobago West MP Shamfa Cudjoe, right, touch elbows after being approved by the PNM screening committee on Sunday to fight their respective seats in the next general election. PHOTO BY DAVID REID  -
BACK AGAIN: Tobago East MP Ayanna Webster-Roy, left, and Tobago West MP Shamfa Cudjoe, right, touch elbows after being approved by the PNM screening committee on Sunday to fight their respective seats in the next general election. PHOTO BY DAVID REID -

People’s National Movement (PNM) political leader Dr Keith Rowley sees no challenge in Tobago East incumbent Ayanna Webster-Roy retaining the seat in the upcoming general elections.

Rowley made the disclosure, whilst responding to questions during an interview on Tobago Channel 5 on Tuesday.

On Sunday, both incumbents Ayanna Webster-Roy and Shamfa Cudjoe were selected for a second time as PNM candidates for the Tobago East and West seats, respectively, in the upcoming general elections.

To date, the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) has revealed that its political leader Watson Duke, who is also currently the electoral representative for Roxborough/ Delaford, will fight the Tobago East seat.

Rowley on Tuesday gave Webster-Roy a resounding endorsement.

“Ayanna Webster-Roy was selected by the people of Tobago East quite overwhelmingly in 2015 and she has gone on to justify that selection.

“I must tell you as head of the Cabinet, working with her, she has been one where... success stories for herself in the PNM. Operating from here in Tobago and functioning as a minister at the national level responsible for women and children affairs, she has done a remarkably good job and she is very energetic. She has been responsible for advancing the national issues on women and children.

"In terms of her constituency service, she has been very effective in that and we see that reflected in the support for her at the screening process. The people of Tobago East are satisfied with her representation,” he said.

Last Sunday, Webster-Roy and veterinarian Dr Kern Johnson were screened to contest the PNM’s Tobago East constituency. A number of other young people including Brian Nurse, Juliette Pope and Crystal Edwards offered themselves to be screened for the seat but they did not receive any nominations.

“Of course, in our party, screening time, we are open to other members offering themselves. On this occasion, we had a few other very good young people who offered themselves but by and large, the sentiments were that we should continue to support the two who have done quite well in their development and their service to Tobago.

“We have two members of Parliament from Tobago in whom we’re very proud of. Two young women who joined us in 2015, both of whom conducted ministerial business as well as representation for Tobago East and West,” the PM said noting that he travelled to Tobago on Sunday to take part in the screening process.

Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Shamfa Cudjoe was the sole nominee to be screened for the Tobago West seat. Rowley said this indicates the people of Tobago West are satisfied with her contribution.

“Shamfa has had the portfolio initially of tourism, she had a little difficulty there with her board, that was rectified quickly and she is the Minister of Sport... She is very confident, she is managing the affairs and the reports coming in from the sector is that she is doing a very good job. Here in Tobago, the fact that she goes unchallenged is an indication that the people of Tobago West in the PNM are happy with her representation and we anticipate that that satisfaction would be recognised across Tobago West,” he said.

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