Chairman of the Tobago Council of the People’s National Movement Stanford Callendar says Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus is no longer a member of the party, following a decision to run as an independent candidate in the January 25 Tobago House of Assembly elections.
However, Tsoiafatt-Angus says that statement “doesn’t mean anything” to her, as she has not received any official correspondence from the party on the issue.
However, through a release yesterday, Callendar said Tsoiafatt-Angus’ decision to contest the THA elections against a PNM candidate was one of the most serious violations of the party. Callender presented excerpts of the party’s constitution to cement his claim:
Article 22: Discipline states
1. Any member of the Movement who shall, in rivalry or opposition to any party Candidate or Nominee, or otherwise in defiance of, or contrary to any party directive or declared policy or principle or announcement, or to the interests of the Movement:
(a) publicly announce his intention to participate in or contest, or be a candidate or nominee for election to a seat on any Municipal Corporation or other Public Body; or
(b) accept nomination or appointment to any such Municipal Corporation or Public Body “ Shall thereupon cease to be a member of the Movement and shall not subsequently be or entitled to be a member of the Movement except after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of such announcement or participation or acceptance or consent or otherwise as the case may be as determined by the General Council and then only upon the approval of and on such terms and conditions as the General Council may prescribe.”
But Guardian Media caught up with Tsoiafatt-Angus campaigning at Church Street, Mason Hall, yesterday and she said she had not received any correspondence from the PNM.
“It (PN release) doesn’t mean anything. I have not received anything, so I cannot respond to anything I have not received,” Tsoiafatt-Angus said.
Tsoiafatt-Angus said she was pleased with her campaign, adding she was “excited by the responses she is receiving from persons on the ground.” She, however, urged all the candidates to focus on what’s important in this election.
“I would really like us to focus on what elections are about, elections are about connecting with the people and ensuring that they choose the best representative for the electoral district and I would urge all of the candidates to focus on that.”