Tobagonians, you must never forget the importance of this election. It is not about Ashworth Jack's obsession to become Chief Secretary. It is about the preservation of Tobago and its heritage from conniving self-seekers.
As Tobagonians we must be interested in the truth and the truth is that this is the most important election in the island's history. It is for this reason we must be conscious of the people who are pretending to "love and care" for Tobago and its people today more than ever before. We must all be conscious of the association of the TOP and those who are allegedly financing their very expensive campaign.
Tobagonians, the TOP is part of the People's Partnership Government through its two parliamentary representatives and they must be judged by this very deceptive, devious, unscrupulous and dangerous company they keep. Don't be fooled by the "smiles, charms and beauty" of the Prime Minister. You must be able to see beyond those.
Kamla Persad Bissessar had been a UNC parliamentarian for years and has never shown this kind of interest in the well-being of Tobagonians all these years. What makes you believe that she is genuine about Tobago today?
What does Tobago stand to benefit from the 11 nautical miles that she so proudly boasts of giving us? Absolutely nothing! If any Tobagonian had taken serious interest in the THA bills that proposed a much more autonomous status for Tobago they would have seen that there were proposals for 200 hundred nautical miles.
Within this zone there are definite benefits for Tobago because of the natural oil and gas reserves located there. There is nothing other than sand, water and fish (if we we're that lucky to get) within the 11 mile zone.
Tobagonians, do not be fooled and be insulted by the "mamagism". The eight per cent increase and the right to borrow were also part of the THA Bills they have ignored for months, but she never acknowledged this. What makes the government so willing to give us eight per cent now, because they anticipate the TOP will win? What if that doesn't happen? Will they hold to their promise or will they be spiteful towards the PNM-led THA?
It was indeed insulting for the Prime Minister to promise (those "impressed" by her contribution), to debate this Green Paper the Friday before the election. It is a clear attempt to "set up" the PNM, knowing that there are aspects of the Bill that cannot be supported even on the eve of the election.
What about the part that allows a person to become eligible to vote in a THA election? That was never mentioned, so meanwhile the process can be manipulated as is now being alleged, by unscrupulous beings looking to do so.
Who said that this election is not about Jack's house? What if it was London's house? Would there have been the same position taken? Absolutely Not! So let us not be hypocritical. Ashworth Jack is yet to prove to the nation any legitimacy of the acquisition of his "wealth". He has not yet publicly produced any paper trails of his income that made him a "millionaire".
With all this, it now gives me the right to declare that Ashworth Jack is not worthy of Tobago's highest office despite what his loyal supporters believe.
Garvin Walters
via e-mail