PDP gears up for general, THA elections

PROGRESSIVE Democratic Patriots (PDP) political leader Watson Duke says the party will intensify its efforts as it prepares for the general and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections, both of which are constitutionally due in 2025.

At a news conference on August 2, at the party’s headquarters in Port Mall, Scarborough, Duke said, "Sixteen months to election day for THA, but 12 months for the general election – and the PDP will be asserting itself very strongly."

Duke said on August 25, the party will host what he called a "meeting of the minds" at his home in Moriah.

"It will be a very simple meeting where people can relax, get something to eat and drink and discuss our way forward.

"That is the highest form of democracy. It is called participatory democracy."

He said the event, which is expected to begin at 4 pm, will feature a few addresses and entertainment.

Duke ruled out the possibility of a reconciliation with THA chief secretary and Tobago People’s Party (TPP) political leader Farley Augustine ahead of the elections.

Augustine was a member of the PDP, which won 14 of the 15 electoral districts in the December 6, 2021, THA elections. But eight months into its term, he locked horns with Duke after the latter accused the THA of failing to financially assist a Roxborough cultural group that went to New York to perform.

Augustine and other THA members severed ties with the PDP and initially declared themselves independents in the assembly. Their supporters later established the TPP, which held its first internal executive election on July 7.

Duke, who extended an olive branch to Augustine several months ago, "in the interest of Tobagonians," said the TPP leader "is not into reconciliation.

"Obviously, I believe he has his own benefits of doing that. I can tell you that, having seen their own internal election and having seen a couple of false starts, with them saying they launching here and the small crowd and the kind of people in the crowd and the way he will talk about some people knocking on they casket – and when you look down in their crowd, there are senior people there. You talking about people knocking on their casket and the people in your crowd, their eyes could barely open. They can’t even stand up. When you see them, they are seated...

"And so I ask my good friend to either be fish or fowl. Know what you are for."

Duke said his offer is no longer on the table.

"At this point in time, I have removed that entire reconciliation. I want no part of that whatsoever. We only have 12 months for national elections.

"We are out from this month, starting on the (August) 25 and we will be more vociferous on every single issue.

"In every single place, you are going to find the PDP. The PDP is back in full measure."