Davidson-Celestine condemns PDP’s alternative Executive Council

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Camille McEachnie

Political Leader of the Tobago Council of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Tracy Davidson-Celestine is pushing back at the Progressive Democratic Patriots’ (PDP) notion that its alternative Executive Council can carry out projects on public properties in Tobago.

When the PDP named an alternative Executive Council on April 9, the party told supporters the purpose is to do small projects to help constituents.

Last week, when PDP area representative for Bethel/Mt Irvine Assemblyman Terance Baynes completed a field lighting project in Sou Sou Lands, he was allegedly threatened.

Baynes spoke about his experience during a live Facebook post. He later said he reported the matter to the police.

Guardian Media asked Davidson-Celestine how she felt about the PDP’s projects.

“When one looks at the strategies of the PDP, there is a striking resemblance to the strategies engaged by the UNC over the years. I clearly recall the attempt by the UNC to undermine the efforts of the THA and to duplicate work programmes through the establishment of the Ministry of Tobago Development,” the PNM Tobago leader said.

She added: “The same thing is happening now with the PDP. They have pulled out the UNC playbook. The approach is the same, and that is, to undermine the processes, and the institution that they wish to be part of, under the guise of no six is greater than the other.”

She continued: “I wish to indicate also, that the Assembly is not fully constituted, therefore, the narrative that they are pushing is not valid. The current assembly leads the THA legally until the next election. If the Assemblyman wishes to use his funds on private property, that is ok, but when it comes to public property, there is a process.

Following the six/six tie between the PNM and PDP in the THA January 25, 2021 elections, the parties sat once to discuss sharing power. However, talks are at a stalemate.

The PNM is on record as saying they want fresh elections.