PNM, PDP working on power-sharing plan

The Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) have responded to the People’s National Movement’s (PNM’s) counterproposal for power-sharing in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

On Thursday, the PNM issued a statement recommending the PDP provide a candidate for the post of Deputy Chief Secretary, deputy presiding officer and be allocated four of the secretarial positions in the THA divisions and one councillor.

The PNM said it will provide the candidate for chief secretary, presiding officer and hold secretarial positions.

But the party’s Tobago Council leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine said both parties must still meet to “discuss other points we have proposed for an agreement, but when we meet those elements will have to be ironed out.”

In a statement on Friday, the PDP noted the PNM’s “silence” on its request for position of Secretary of Finance and the Economy, “which is critical in ensuring that there is a balance of power."

The PDP said it is negotiating for equal responsibilities within the executive council.

Apart from the position of Secretary of Finance, the party is also requesting the positions of

secretary and assistant secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment; secretary and assistant secretary of Health, Wellness and the Environment and secretary and assistant secretary of Settlements, Housing and Urban Renewal.