[Updated] New claims of UNC link to PDP in THA polls

PNM Tobago Council political leader Tracy Davidson Celestine is claiming the United National Congress (UNC) has instructed the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) to erect billboards alongside those of the PNM, ahead of the January 25 THA election.

She made the claim on Friday night while addressing a political meeting at the Mt St George Community Centre.

“Today (Friday), I got word, because remember I had asked the question some time before, ‘What is the relationship between the UNC and the PDP?’” she asked.

“And I had also asked you the question, ‘What was the nature of the meeting with the PDP operatives and the UNC just before Nomination Day (January 4)?’”

“And so, today I got word, ladies and gentlemen, that there is instruction coming up from Trinidad to set up billboards from the UNC, of course, for the PDP, right next to all of our billboards here in Tobago.”

Davidson-Celestine, who is contesting the Lambeau/Signal Hill seat, said it appears as though the PDP has called for “back up” in an attempt to win the election.

“They have called for reinforcement and the same TOP (Tobago Organisation of the People)/UNC operatives are now out large.

She observed TOP leader Ashworth Jack is “all over the TV with his same old strategy of audit report and audit report.

“They are coming alive. And so, I warn each and every one of you who are listening here, tonight, to pay attention to what is happening with the UNC and the PDP at this point in time.”

Davidson-Celestine said the issue is not about race.

“It has to do with what we, in Tobago, would have had as a result of the UNC being in office.

“And so, when we recognise there has been a relationship, we will continue to warn each and every one of you because at the end of the day, we don’t want to go down that road again, crapaud will smoke all of our pipes.”

Davidson-Celestine recalled the UNC was in government during her previous stint as a THA secretary between 2010 and 2015.

“We had a PNM administration in Tobago and a UNC administration in Trinidad. And it was hell to get a number of different things happening here for us in Tobago because in order to advance our development, we need the collaboration between the two entities to happen.”

She continued: “Just imagine if you were to put God out of your thoughts and put the PDP in office with a PNM administration in Trinidad.

“You have heard what they have said about the airport development, that they will shut it down.

“The only thing that can come from that is chaos and confusion and kangkalang and Tobagonians not benefiting in the process.”

Davidson-Celestine urged supporters to maintain the status quo.

“It is even more important to ensure that you have a PNM-controlled administration in Tobago and a PNM-controlled administration in Trinidad.

“There will be unity of purpose. There will be cohesion. We can discuss and negotiate about more funding and investment to Tobago.”

Davidson-Celestine referred the PNM plan to build a marina as an example of the benefits that can be derived as a result of the party controlling both the government and THA.

“If it is that we are building a marina as we would have articulated in our manifesto, we can easily pick up our phones to say we have a challenge. We need more funding to build the marina. And once there is funding, it will happen.”

Davidson-Celestine noted the THA is moving to obtain $300 million in bonds.

She said she learnt from Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis and Secretary of Finance and the Economy Joel Jack that the THA is close to receiving the funding.

“I would expect, hopefully, that by February, we should be signing on the dotted lines. But put God out of your thoughts and put the PDP there.

“We are going to lose that $300 million because it requires the support of the People’s National Movement administration and the Attorney General (Faris Al Rawi) in order to ensure that it happens.”

Davidson-Celestine said the policies of the PNM and PDP are different.

In a statement on Saturday, UNC PRO Dr Kirk Meighoo claimed the party had done more for Tobago than the PNM ever did.

He also criticised Davidson-Celestine for “bringing our party on her campaign platform to try to sully our name.”