People's Partnership spurns TobagoniansThe Editor: After 100 days of the UNC-led People's Partnership government, I have taken note of what can only be described as "contempt" and "disrespect" for the people of Tobago and the institution named the Tobago House of Assembly. It is public information that in a matter of days after the last General Ejections the Chief Secretary of Tobago wrote to the Honorable Prime Minister, Mrs Persad-Bissessar seeking a meeting with her to discuss matters of importance as they relate to the Tobago House of Assembly and other governance issues of Tobago and Trinidad and Tobago. Today, after 100 days and as far as I aware, the Chief Secretary of Tobago is yet to have the courtesy of that meeting with the Honorable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Is it that Tobago is no longer important? Or is it that the Prime Minister is not interested in what the duly elected Representative of the THA has to say? While that disrespect is being expressed towards the people of Tobago by the contempt shown by the Prime Minister, her Ministers (chief of whom is the "Minister of Tobago Development") are creating mischief and confusion, with total disregard for the THA and its functions under "Act 40 of 1996". I am forced to conclude that after 100 days this has to be a deliberate act by the UNC-led People's Partnership Government (of which the Tobago Organisation of the People is a part) to frustrate the Tobago House of Assembly and the people of Tobago. What is of even greater concern to me as a Tobagonian is that the TOP came on the political scene as a Tobago-based party whose main objective was to defend and protect the interest of Tobago and its people and institutions such as the THA (to which some lay claim to have fought for with great dignity). Today the that same TOP joins part of a move to undermine, disrespect and even destroy the most important institution ever established to give the people of Tobago a measure of autonomy and authority over its affairs. Though not perfect, the institution and the laws governing its purpose must be protected at all cost. I ask these questions (1) What does the TOP now stands for? (2) Are they still the "Tobago Party" that defends Tobago interest and its people? (3) Have the TOP sacrificed their integrity for power and political convenience? (4) Is Hochoy Charles the only one who understands what is going on? Tobagonians, wake up, Tobagonians stand up, Tobagonians let your voices be heard for what is right and just in the interest of all Tobagonians and for generations of Tobagonians to come. Reflect—Happy Independence!
Arthur Samuel Tobago
Editor's Note: Chief Secretary London and Mrs. Persad-Bissessar met officially for the first time on August 26 at the Prime Minister's Office and were scheduled to meet again at his office yesterday (Thursday). |
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giselle burris said on Thursday, Sep 30 at 4:11 PM
i totally agree with Mr. samuel's position on the people's patnership. what is very saddening about the present situation is that these people fail to deal with the real issues. From what i observed, they are still caught up with talking about what the past administration did or did not do. come on tobagonians, wake up and look at what is going on aroud us. This present goverment came to tobago and brain washed tobagonians into believing that better would be done and thatb they loved Tobago, but look what is happening now. for example look at how much money they allocated for tobago in the national budget. DOES THIS REALLY REFLECT A GOVERNMENT WHO CARES ABOUT TOBAGO? WE AS A PEOPLE REALLY NEED TO DO SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS.
52956256TOBAGO/USA READER said on Monday, Sep 6 at 6:23 PM
I ALWAYS KNEW MRS BISSESSAR AND HER PARTY ONLY WANTED TOBAGO TO MAKE UP NUMBERS BAS FAILED BUT ASHWORTH SELL TOBAGO FOR THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER I HOPE HE IS HAPPY BUT PLEASE TOBAGO HOLD ON OTHERWISE IF PNM LOSE THA ELECTION WE WILL EAT DUST I WILL BE HOME TO VOTE BY THE GRACE OF GOD. I LOVE MY HOME.TOBAGO PEOPLE START READING, RESEARCHING, GET INFORMATION EDUCATE YOURSELVES, DON'T BE FOOED HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU HAVE.
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