It's official. Three teams will go up against Kelvin Charles, current political leader of the Tobago Council of the People's National Movement (PNM), in Sunday's runoff elections.
In a statement on Friday, Team Tracy 2020 said it is part of a group that includes Joel Jack and Dr. Denise Tsoaifatt-Angus—fighting to change the council's leadership.
"After consultation, and for this point onward Joel Jack, Dr Angus and I have decided we will work together in the best interests of the party," the Davidson-Celestine team said.
The statement continued: "The results of the internal election for Leadership...have made it clear...70 percent of the party electorate have signalled the desire for leadership change."
Last Sunday, Kelvin Charles polled 1,513 votes; Joel Jack got 1,066 votes; Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus, 904 votes; and Tracy Davidson-Celestine captured 1,447 votes.
Fresh elections for the post of Political Leader will be held on Sunday between Davidson-Celestine and Charles, as neither of them polled the required constitutional majority necessary to lead the council.
Below is the full text of the release issued by Team Tracy 2020...
In my manifesto, which includes a 100-day plan, I articulated the desire to bring all Leaders together to begin the healing process. At this juncture I am pleased to indicate that the process has begun.
The results of the internal elections for Leadership of the PNM Tobago Council has made one clear statement above all others: 70 percent of the party electorate has signalled the desire for leadership change. After consultation with my team and a focus group of persons who voted for Tracy 2020 on Sunday 19th, I am of the view that a concerted effort to complete the process for change begun on that day, and s necessary if, as a party, we are to achieve all of our objectives.
On reaching out to Mr. Joel Jack, Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Finance, and Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus, Former Presiding Officer and who participated in last Sunday’s elections, they too have agreed that listening to the voice of the electorate’s majority is critical to the success of the party and from this point onward, Joel Jack, Dr Angus and I have decided we will work together in the best interest of the party.
We also agree that for the future of the Tobago Council of the PNM, the opinion of our voters must take precedence over our individual pursuits. Additionally, the members must be commended for their courage and high energy leading to an overwhelming turnout at the polls. As leaders of separate camps, we take the responsibility to listen to their voices in this democratic process and work together to deliver on their desires.
I am sure that it would not have been an easy decision for my colleagues, but I truly admire and thank them for their endorsement and support, which continue to demonstrate the capacity of leadership within, that keeps this party strong.
As a united front, we now urge you the electorate to assist us in completing the process we all started. We urge you to come out again in your overwhelming numbers on Sunday 26th January and vote resoundingly for Tracy Davidson-Celestine. Vote for Re-energizing the party and empowering out people because the Party is more than an individual.
Your vote is your future.
Make it count.
Tracy David Celestine
Candidate for Political Leader PNM.
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Story by CAMILLE McEACHNIE