TOP leader, Chamber call for 'political maturity, cooler heads'

Political maturity is needed in going forward, says former THA minority leader Ashworth Jack.

He was speaking on Friday after the public falling-out between Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and his Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) political leader Watson Duke.

In a Facebook video on Wednesday, Duke bashed the THA for its treatment of 27 members of the Roxborough Folk Performers in New York. Duke is the electoral representative for Roxborough/Argyle.

Duke said the THA had neglected the Tobagonians and left them hungry and sleeping on the streets in New York. Augustine responded a day later outlining what he termed the facts of the matter, and further saying that the responsibilities under the purview of Duke, the Deputy Chief Secretary, would be reviewed and a decision made before the end of this weekend.

On Thursday evening, Duke stripped Augustine of his post of PDP deputy leader. He also removed the two other deputies.

Weighing in on the situation, Jack, the leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People, said he was disappointed, but not surprised.

“Those of us who grow up with old people would remember them saying to us, 'Don’t drink your coffee so hot.' Anything that is answered in haste, you make errors. Sit down, allow this thing to blow over and then let adults have a conversation.”

His sentiments were echoed by chairman of the Tobago Business Chamber Martin George.

George said since the PDP had won an overwhelming majority of 14 out of 15 seats, a different attitude was expected.

“One would have expected that they would be able to act in a manner that is cohesive, and which can guide and direct the interest of Tobagonians generally, in a manner that is co-operative and conciliatory.

"It appears, however, that things are boiling, and we urge caution, we urge for tempers to be cooled, we urge egos to be restrained and brought under control.”

'Leave the bacchanal for carnival'

He said the Chamber stood ready to help resolve the differences.

“We are willing to offer ourselves as mediators and facilitators of any workable solution between the two gentlemen.

"Tobago does not need this type of drama and bacchanal at this time. Let the bacchanal be restricted to carnival. There is the upcoming Tobago carnival, let all the bacchanal be there.

"We do not need it in the leadership of the THA, the leadership of the party that is in charge of the THA or the leadership of the island of Tobago generally.”

When contacted, PNM Tobago Council leader Ancil Dennis responded, “I have absolutely no comment to make on the latest bacchanal taking place within the PDP.

"My focus is on the PNM here in Tobago to ensure whenever we are called upon – whether it’s four years or two years – that we are in a position to restore dignified and inspirational leadership to the island of Tobago.”

Former chief secretary Hochoy Charles discussed what impact the impasse could have on the assembly.

“When you are elected into the House, it is not the party’s constitution that governs that institution, (but) the Tobago House of Assembly Act.”

He said according to Section 35, of the act, a vote of no confidence can be moved against either the chief secretary or the deputy.

“If the chief secretary or the deputy chief secretary does not resign in two days after that motion is moved and passed, the president would revoke the appointment, as the case may be.”