PNM makes counterproposal to PDP over THA deadlock

The PNM Tobago Council has presented the PDP with a memorandum of understanding which it hopes will provide a template for managing the island's affairs at least over the next six months.

This follows the PDPs proposal to the PNM to share power within the assembly until the deadlock is resolved.

The proposal was made on March 3 after all 12 assemblymen met with the Prime Minister in Tobago.

In its proposal, the PDP said it was willing to give the PNM the positions of Chief Secretary and Presiding Officer, while it would take Deputy Chief Secretary, Secretary of Finance and two of three councillors allocated to the executive. The remaining secretarial positions would be split down the middle.

But in a statement on Thursday, the PNM proposed that the PDP provide a candidate for Deputy Chief Secretary, Deputy Presiding Officer “and be allocated four secretarial positions in THA divisions and one councillor.”
The PNM said it will provide the candidate for Chief Secretary, Presiding Officer “and hold four secretarial positions.” PNM Tobago Council leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine said it the statement, “Of course, we have to meet and discuss other points we have proposed for an agreement, but when we meet, those elements will have to be ironed out.”