Political factions in Tobago have formally initiated their campaigns for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections scheduled for January 12. The nomination process unfolded smoothly across multiple venues on Friday, setting the stage for a highly contested political battle.
Ancil Dennis, Political Leader of the PNM Tobago Council and candidate for Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, expressed unwavering confidence in his party’s prospects. Following the submission of his nomination papers at the Buccoo Multipurpose Centre, Dennis declared that the Progressive National Movement (PNM) anticipates reclaiming governance. He launched a sharp critique against the incumbent Tobago People’s Party (TPP), alleging significant regression across all developmental sectors during their four-year tenure. “Every sector in Tobago has gone backwards significantly – tourism, agriculture, construction – you name it. I believe the people of Tobago would make the right decision, which is a change,” Dennis asserted.
The PNM’s campaign received bolstering support from party stalwart Pennelope Beckles, who emphasized the party’s positive energy and expectation of victory. Beckles highlighted the strength of the PNM’s candidate roster, which includes Dexter Miller (Bagatelle/Bacolet), Carl McEwen (Belle Garden/Glamorgan), and Karyn Forbes (Plymouth/Black Rock) among others.
Simultaneously, at the Calder Hall Multipurpose Facility, the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) completed its nomination process with equal optimism. Political Leader Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus praised the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) for their professional handling of the application procedure, awarding them perfect marks for efficiency. The IDA is contesting with eleven candidates across various electoral districts, including Tsoiafatt-Angus herself in Scarborough/Mt Grace, Stacy Herbert in Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, and Mauricia Douglas in Signal Hill/Patience Hill.
The convergence of these political activities signals Tobago’s readiness for a transformative electoral process that will determine the island’s administrative direction for the coming term.