A disturbing outbreak of violence has marred the final hours of campaigning for Tobago’s House of Assembly (THA) elections, exposing heightened political tensions on the island. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, depicts a physical altercation between supporters of the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) and the People’s National Movement (PNM) along Milford Road in Bon Accord on January 11th.
The confrontation reportedly began as a verbal argument outside the campaign office of PNM candidate Dominque Kerr around 1 pm. Video evidence shows an elderly woman adorned in TPP regalia engaged in a heated exchange with another individual wearing PNM colors and holding a party flag. The situation rapidly deteriorated into a physical brawl, with the TPP supporter allegedly brandishing a knife while PNM supporters retaliated by striking her with their flags and delivering kicks.
TPP leader and THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine characterized the event as ‘unfortunate’ and acknowledged its deviation from Tobago’s traditional political culture, where ‘heavy picong and verbal jabs’ are customary. He confirmed the injured supporter received medical attention and that the matter was reported to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for investigation. While condemning violence unequivocally, Augustine contextualized the incident within what he described as an increasingly ‘testy’ and ‘ferocious’ political landscape that has evolved over the past five years.
TPP Deputy Leader Dr. Faith Brebnor, who spoke with the injured supporter, echoed the sentiment of regret while appealing for greater discipline among the electorate. ‘I want to call for us to be a little more disciplined, for us to remember that all of we is Tobagonians and that after today, we need to live here peacefully,’ she stated following her vote at the Belle Garden Multipurpose Facility. Regarding potential legal recourse, Dr. Brebnor indicated that party lawyers are reviewing the incident and will support whatever course of action the victim chooses to pursue.