PNM and PDP to meet to discuss power-sharing

The People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) are expected to meet at the Assembly Legislature, Scarborough, at 4pm on Wednesday to discuss power-sharing in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

PDP political leader Watson Duke confirmed this on Tuesday via WhatsApp.

The PDP and PNM each won six seats in the January 25 THA election. The House has since remained in deadlock.

Both parties have said they are willing to meet in the interest of advancing the island’s development.

But the PDP has said in order for any power-sharing arrangement between itself and the PNM to work, it must be given control of the Division of Finance and the Economy.

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 family development; and secretary and assistant secretary of settlements, housing and urban renewal.

It asked previously for the positions of Deputy Chief Secretary and two of the three councillors allocated to the executive.

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