(Trinidad Guardian) – President Paula-Mae Weekes has called on the newly-appointed Tobago House of Assembly (THA) slate to keep their campaign promises to the people of Tobago.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the 12th THA, Weekes said Tobagonians have been involved in the “most vigorous exercise” of the democratic process of the past 10 months, since the THA election on January 25 ended in a six/six deadlock between the People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP).
On December 6, when the island headed to the polls for the second time this year, the PDP won the election, capturing 14 of the 15 districts to gain control of the Assembly.
Weekes said the lead-up to this outcome was both surprising and unprecedented.
“You have been chosen at a critical time in the history of Tobago, when infrastructural, economical and health challenges, among others, beset the island, bringing the tourism industry and small businesses to their knees and adding to the hardships suffered by Tobagonians,” Weekes said.
“The people of Tobago were unequivocal, resolute and confident in deciding to whom they wish to give stewardship of their affairs and they have every right to expect that those stewards would be competent, trustworthy and ready, willing and able to put your shoulders to the plough,” she added.
The President said with the THA now fully constituted, its appointed members can attend to Tobago’s business. She called this a proud moment for the nation and a ‘salutary’ example of democracy at work.
Weekes said she noticed the youthfulness of the Assemblymen during Thursday’s swearing-in.
“Of course, you were masked and masks have the effect of making identification and recognition challenging, but they also have a useful purpose, they force one to focus on the eyes and in yours, I saw the eagerness, hope and commitment which I interpreted and continue to interpret to be an intention to enrich the lives of those who live and work in Tobago,” she told the Assemblymen.
Addressing the PNM’s lone assemblyman, Minority Leader Kelvon Morris, Weekes said his presence is critical to holding the ruling party to account and ensuring a system of checks and balances in the public interest.
“Like the cheese, you stand alone but that does not mean that the task is beyond you and I trust you will be ably supported by the experienced members of your party. I urge you to fiercely defend that public interest, not by opposing for the sake of opposition, but in order to add value to the political purpose,” she told Morris.
