Battle lines drawn for Tobago East: TPP, PNM bring nomination fanfare

THE battle lines for control of Tobago East have been drawn with five candidates filing their nomination papers on April 4 at the John Dial Multipurpose Facility, including the incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM) candidate Ayanna Webster-Roy.

Tobago People’s Party (TPP) candidate David Thomas was the first to arrive, just after 10 am, with moko jumbies, music trucks, flag-waving supporters and a large contingent of supporters TPP top brass.

Thomas entered the facility to file his papers, returning a few minutes later chanting, "Now is the time." He said the process inside was smooth.

"Time to campaign," he said.

"Time to represent Tobago; time to ensure that Tobago gets its full share and becomes the best little island on the planet, and I am ready to lead the charge. Parliament, here I come, get ready for me because Tobago is first on my agenda, so Tobago must win.”

An undisturbed Webster-Roy arrived later with dancers and drummers and said her party remains the best choice.

“We remain the right choice – the best choice. We are red, we are ready, and we are definitely a responsible team to take TT forward.”

The election, she said, is very important.

“Just reflect; reflect on the work done over the years, reflect on the polices brought on by our new Prime Minister, the honourable Stuart Richard Young, and reflect on all that we would have said thus far on the campaign trail.”

Unlike past elections, Progressive Democratic Patriot (PDP) leader and Tobago East candidate Watson Duke did not arrive with a big contingent. He described the nomination process as smooth.

He said, “There were no kinks; we know what we were doing because we are the most experienced party apart from the PNM, so it was water on ducks' back.”

Duke was undeterred by the small number of supporters.

"We are reassured that this isn’t just supporters – these are devotees.

"They are committed to Tobago; they have devoted themselves to Tobago. This is not a normal support. These are not cheerleaders. These are not pom-pom girls. These are men and women who have dedicated their lives. Tobago must win.”

Patriotic Front candidate and political newcomer Wade Caruth said the process went very smoothly as well.

“The process itself, it felt like an exam. Thankfully, I got through.”

Caruth said his plan now is to continue to connect with the electorate.

“They always say it’s the darkest before dawn, weeping may endure for a day but joy cometh in the morning. So I am here to let the Tobago people know that joy is coming. I am more of a lover than a fighter, but when I see the people that I love being abused and mistreated, I am forced to fight.”

He said that there are some upcoming walkabouts and cottage meetings planned as he looks forward to more visibility and interaction on the ground.

Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) candidate Gerard Balfour shared some advice with the population.

“I just want to remind the public, don’t get caught with the bribery and the sudden movements. They had many tenures to prove their point. We’ve tried them all but to no avail... Focus on the issues and remember that the IDA is the only choice that involves you genuinely. Save our space, now is the time.”