Tracy eyes Lambeau/Signal Hill for THA elections

People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council political leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine is interested in running for the Lambeau/ Signal Hill electoral district in the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly elections.

Davidson-Celestine, who holds the portfolio of Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development, made the announcement as she spoke to residents in a meeting at the Signal Hill community centre on Tuesday evening.

For the last eight years, the area was served by PNM's Jomo Pitt who, on June 25, said he would not be seeking a third term.

Born in Delaford, Davidson-Celestine told residents on Tuesday: “I would tell you that I considered whether I should run for Lambeau/ Signal Hill or whether I should consider other seats throughout the lengths and breadths of Tobago. Well, finally, I have made the decision that I would contest this electoral district in the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly election.”

She added: “Most of you would ask why Lambeau/ Signal Hill; why not Roxborough/ Delaford; why not Parlatuvier/ L’Anse Fourmi/ Speyside where you were once the representative; why not Buccoo, why not wherever, but for me, I consider myself to be a resident of Tobago.

"My work throughout Tobago would have saw me interacting with quite a number of different communities throughout the island and of course, I am a person who likes challenges as much as it is possible. I am not one to do the same thing over and over, so I thought that I should be open to new challenges going forward.”

Davidson-Celestine returned to active party politics last year after serving as the TT Ambassador to Costa Rica since 2017.

The former tourism secretary defeated Kelvin Charles in the race for leadership at the PNM internal election in January. She was later appointed a Councillor.

This will be the PNM Tobago Council's second election under Davidson-Celestine.

Last Monday, the PNM Tobago Council opened its nominations for the THA elections, constitutionally due in 2021. The nomination process, according to party chairman Stanford Callender, will continue until October 12.

Callender said party groups were expected to inform their various constituency secretaries and the council secretary of the names of their party group members as all 12 seats are up for grabs.

The PNM currently holds ten of the 12 electoral districts with the Progressive Democratic Patriots occupying the other two.

Other names debated about is Kelvon Morris for the Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden seat, Carl McEwen for Goodwood/ Belle Garden, Keigon Denoon for Buccoo/ Mt Pleasant, Nadine Stewart-Phillips for Roxborough/ Delaford as well as Huey Cadette for the Canaan/ Bon Accord seat.

Both the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) and Unity of the People (UTP) have already begun their nomination process as well and intend to challenge all 12 districts.