1 week ago
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Senior Reporter
The results of the recounts requested by the People’s National Movement (PNM) in two Tobago seats showed that the PNM lost in both, resulting in no change in the 15-0 victory of the Tobago People’s Party in Monday’s Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections.
The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) announced the results of the recounts yesterday, after the PNM made the requests for the areas of Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt Pleasant.
The EBC said preliminary results showed that the distribution of votes received by the political parties were: Innovative Democratic Alliance (181), PNM (10,456), TPP (16,240) and Unity of the People (8).
The new THA administration, headed by Chief Secretary-elect Farley Augustine, will be sworn in at 11 am today at the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the United National Congress (UNC) Cabinet team are expected to attend.
One Government official, however, noted that Cabinet is also expected to meet today, but could not say if this might be in Tobago or in Trinidad.
PNM officials, yesterday, could not say if any of their party representatives were invited to the swearing-in function.
Following Monday’s election results, the PNM had requested recounts in Darrel Spring/Whim, and Scarborough/Mt Pleasant after their respective candidates – Kelvon Morris and Petal Baird – lost to TPP’s Ricky Joefield and Trevor James. Morris had been the lone PNM Assemblyman in the last 2021/2025 THA term.
The EBC said the final vote recount results in Darrel Spring/Whim were: IDA (14), TPP (838) and PNM (826), with three votes rejected.
In Scarborough/Mt Grace, the vote recount results were: PNM (702), TPP (854) and IDA (14), with six rejected ballots. The EBC said the overall results for those electoral districts remained unchanged.
Outgoing PNM Tobago Council leader Ancil Dennis did not comment on the outcome, as calls to him went unanswered.
Congrats from Tobago Chamber Division, COP
Yesterday, as congratulations continued flowing to the TPP, Curtis Williams, head of the Tobago division of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said, “The Tobago Division of the TT Chamber extends sincere congratulations to Farley Augustine, leader of the Tobago People’s Party and the entire TPP team on their decisive victory in the Tobago House of Assembly election.
“The business community views this mandate as an opportunity to advance Tobago’s development agenda with clarity, stability and purpose. We stand ready to work collaboratively with the new administration to move the island forward in a positive and sustainable way—supporting policies that strengthen the private sector, create jobs and improve the ease of doing business.
“At the same time, we recognise the unique context of there being no formal parliamentary opposition. In this regard, the Tobago Division will continue to play its role as a responsible stakeholder—advocating for transparency, accountability and strong checks and balances. Our engagement will remain constructive but firm, ensuring that governance meets the highest standards in the best interest of Tobago.”
Williams added,” We wish the new administration every success as it begins this important term and reaffirm our commitment to meaningful dialogue and partnership for Tobago’s growth and prosperity.”
Congress of the People chairman Lonsdale Williams said, “The COP extends warmest congratulations to the TPP on your resounding success at the polls. We are heartened by your meteoric rise and by the trust Tobago’s people have placed in your leadership and vision.”
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