Unity of the People’s (UTP’s) sole candidate in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election, Nickocy Phillips says her voting experience was very smooth. Phillips cast her vote in the Buccoo/Mt Pleasant district she is hoping to represent shortly before noon on Monday.
The Buccoo/Mt Pleasant district is the most contested district for this election, with five candidates hoping to win over the electorate. “It was amazing it was very smooth and very good. I am expecting people to do what they have to and do their civil and democratic duties so that’s the best I can do,” Phillips said.
This is the third election in which Phillips is contesting this district, which has been held by the People’s National Movement for the past 20 years. She is hoping the third time is the charm. “I have done my duties to the best of my abilities, I have executed a manifesto with 487 projects of the constituency of Buccoo/Mt Pleasant and Canaan by extension so it’s all left to the people,” she said.
Phillips said she believes the district is so hotly contested because it is the best on the island. But it’s just that it doesn’t have proper representation, everybody wants to represent but at the end of the day, it’s not just about the development process, it’s about the development process of the people of Buccoo/Mt Pleasant and Canaan by extension.”
She said the voter turnout was a bit low in the district but she expressed hope that more voters would turn out as the day progresses. She said those who do not vote, rob themselves of their voice. “This is time when everybody supposed to exercise their democratic rights, if you don’t vote, you don’t have a voice and you can’t complain. This is the third time to get it right, with two elections in one year, I believe this is the time to get it right, I believe this is the time to come out and get it done and then you can complain after.”
Reporter: Sharlene Rampersad