Former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has defended the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) record in Tobago, highlighting what he described as sustained development and legislative gains during the party’s time in office.
In a social media post, Dr Rowley pointed to what he said were key parliamentary actions, including a 6.4% budgetary allocation secured through a Joint Select Committee and the extension of Tobago’s marine jurisdiction from six miles to 11 miles.
He said the response to those proposals was a resounding “Reject the Bill”.
Dr Rowley also listed several development projects and initiatives he attributed to the PNM’s tenure in Tobago, including new ferries, new offshore patrol vessels, new police stations in Roxborough and Shirvan, and major infrastructure works such as the Roxborough Administrative Complex, hospital and fire station.
He further cited the ANR Robinson International Airport terminal upgrade, expansion of the Tobago House of Assembly structure, increased administrative authority, gas-based electricity expansion, and the desilting of the Hillsborough Dam to improve water storage.
Other projects referenced included tourism proposals such as Sandals—which he said was rejected twice; the Marriott development at Rocky Point; marina plans at Cove; and support for agricultural initiatives.
He also pointed to what he described as the largest financial allocation to the Tobago House of Assembly.
Dr Rowley said that despite these developments, the response had been political rejection and disrespect.
He added that with what he described as “no remaining PNM representation in Tobago”, the current administration had delivered what he called a 100% increase in the cost of travel between Trinidad and Tobago.
He ended his post with the remark:
“Then they all sing, ‘Gi dem performance in their rukungkutungkung’.”
