PDP mulls PNM counterproposal on THA power-sharing

The Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) has acknowledged receipt of the People’s National Movement’s (PNM’s) counterproposal on power-sharing within the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

The PNM met again on Wednesday at the Hope Multipurpose Facility to come up with the proposal.

The PDP had given the party a week to respond after it presented its proposal during a meeting of all 12 assemblymen with the Prime Minister on March 3 in Tobago.

The PDP said it was willing to give the PNM the positions of Chief Secretary and Presiding Officer while they would take the Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Finance portfolios.

The party had also asked for two of the three councillors be allocated to the executive, while the remaining secretarial positions would be split down the middle.

The PNM, in its counterproposal, recommended the PDP provide candidate for Deputy Chief Secretary, Deputy Presiding Officer and be allocated four secretarial positions in THA divisions and one councillor.

The PNM also said also it will provide the candidate for Chief Secretary, Presiding Officer and hold four secretarial positions.

In a brief statement on Thursday, the PDP said it received the PNM’s counterproposal at 10.49 pm on Wednesday.

“We are grateful that they agree, in principle, with the need for an amalgamation for the purpose of advancing Tobago’s autonomy,” it said. “Our team considers this matter urgent and therefore, will meet today so that a response can be provided in a timely manner.”