Newcomer Sheldon Cunningham: Man who hanged Jack in Tobago

Sheldon Cunningham, the PNM candidate who defeated TOP’s leader Ashworth Jack in Monday’s Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election is now being touted as the proverbial David who slayed Goliath. The first-timer in politics unseated Jack in the electoral district of Mason Hall/Moriah. Jack held that seat for 16 years.

In an interview yesterday, Cunningham said he looked forward to representing the people in Mason Hall/Moriah. “I am a people person and will stay connected to the ground so that I can be responsive to the real needs of my community,” he said. “With the backing of a PNM-led THA, I will deliver service of superior quality.”

His mother Ivy said she knew her son would have won the seat as she had a premonition in her dreams. “I knew he would have won because I dreamt it the night before the election,” she said.

“I dreamt I was in a race with two of my friends up the hill where I live and I took off with a speed, passed my house and sat on a bridge around the corner looking at them coming in...they even asked where I got the speed and where I passed, and when I woke up I knew my son would win his seat in the THA election and I told him that,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude to those who voted for her son. “Sheldon really deserve this win...he is a praying man and very hardworking and I thank all the people who supported him and I have no fear he will do well to represent the people” she added. Cunningham is expected to hold a news conference at his campaign office at Mason Hall to reveal his plans for the electoral district.

About Cunningham

• Born in Moriah
• Attended primary school in the community and later the Scarborough Secondary School
• Working experience includes positions in the Division of Health and Social Services, the Probation and Gender Affairs Departments and the Tobago Health and Promotion Clinic where he has been employed since 2005
• A former president of the Runnymeade Village Council
• Currently vice-president and is active in the credit union society
• Also serves on the Board and PTA of the Des Vignes Road Government Primary School
• A member of the Tobago Aids Society, Tobago Scouts Association and Police Youth Club.
• Also sits on the Tobago Youth Council and is a member of the Greater Moriah Improvement Society
• A member of the PNM in Moriah since 2003.