Elizabeth Gonzales
Tobago Correspondent
As she introduced her party’s two candidates in Tobago yesterday, Patriotic Front leader Mickela Panday vowed not to use autonomy as a political bargaining tool. The decision on Tobago’s self-governance must come from its people, not politicians, she said.
Panday announced Aretha Clarke as the party’s candidate for Tobago West and Wade Caruth for Tobago East.
She also claimed autonomy is often used as an election gimmick, resurfacing only when votes are at stake.
“Remember, politicians serve the people; the people don’t serve politicians, so they cannot decide what they are going to do about autonomy. It’s what the people want. What are the pros, what are the cons? Consult, let them ask questions.”
She proposed a nationwide education campaign on the implications of autonomy, followed by a referendum that would allow Tobagonians to determine their future. Panday said Clarke and Caruth are committed to Tobago beyond the election cycle and will remain actively involved in the island’s development regardless of the outcome at the polls.
She outlined key issues her party aims to address if elected, including land ownership, youth empowerment, sports development, and agriculture. She said land reform is critical to ensure that young Tobagonians have opportunities to own property and build wealth.
“But more importantly, I want to say this to the people of Tobago. We enter an election to win and intend to win—we will win. Whatever the outcome, because we will do our best, but I want the people of Tobago to know we aren’t going nowhere,” she said.
Panday promised to focus on greater access to tertiary education in Tobago, saying that students should not have to leave the island to pursue higher studies. She said Tobago’s agriculture sector needs modern farming techniques to improve food security and create economic opportunities and better sports infrastructure is necessary to support young athletes.
