Tobago

Two earthquakes recorded in Tobago on Monday night

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 06:10:01 +0000

Two earthquakes recorded in Tobago on Monday night

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admin Thu, 02/11/2021 - 06:10

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Two earthquakes recorded in Tobago on Monday night

Two minor earthquakes of 3.8 magnitude occurred in Tobago one hour a part on Monday night.

The seismic activities were recorded by TT Weather Centre. Some have reported hearing a rumble before the shaking. There is no tsunami threat.

It occurred 2.72 km from Plymouth, 3.95 km from Scarborough and 9.01 km from Castara.

Information from the TT Weather Centre shows the first earthquake happened at 10.15 pm and the second at 11.15 pm. It also said both earthquakes were felt across Tobago with "one or two short jolts."

When the second minor earthquake happened no preliminary or reviewed solution was posted by the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre. But the seismic event was recorded on nearby seismometers in TT and Grenada.

It said, "This information (above) is preliminary from the UWI Seismic Research Centre, the authority for seismic and volcanological information in the Eastern Caribbean. This information may change when additional data is processed by a seismologist."

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TTUTA still worried about readiness of Tobago schools

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 06:10:01 +0000

TTUTA still worried about readiness of Tobago schools

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admin Thu, 02/11/2021 - 06:10

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Original Publisher

News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

TTUTA still worried about readiness of Tobago schools

TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) Tobago officer Bradon Roberts is concerned about the readiness of schools on the island amid the covid19 pandemic and the Ministry of Education's protocols.

But he says he is determined to work with the THA Education Division to rectify the shortcomings.

On Monday, the first day of face-to-face learning for secondary students of forms four to six preparing for exams began returning to school.

THA Secretary of Education, Innovation and Energy Marslyn Melville-Jack, after a visit to five of the nine secondary schools on the island, said she was comfortable with the health and safety protocols in place.

But speaking with Newsday on Tuesday, Roberts said he visited schools as well, but had very differing views.

“It was worse than I expected it to be. For the secretary to come out and say that everything is well is very misleading, and it gives me now very little confidence that they’re going to fix the issues. If they could just brush it off and say everything is good, they would never reach to the stage where we’re properly fixing the issues,” he said.

Saying some schools have major issues, he singled out Mason Hall Secondary.

“I was amazed to see the amount of water coming out of the ground. There appears to be something like a burst line or something, with a lot of water running. You’re actually hearing a lot of water running on the compound. The water undermining there could cause greater problems later down the road,” he said.

On the covid19 protocols, he said, “One of the schools I went to didn’t even have sanitiser on the compound.

“I had a little interaction with couple of the principals, who indicated that they’re trying their best to put certain things in place.”

On the science labs at secondary schools, Melville-Jack admitted to problems at Signal Hill and Mason Hal, but said they would be “handled as soon as possible.”

Roberts is not convinced.

“It has been years since these labs have not been functioning properly. Teachers have been trying to find alternative ways of getting the work done and in getting the work done, and in teaching, we always say that they are two different things.

“So,it was quite upsetting to hear that the secretary – and I even heard the ministry follow suit in Trinidad – say that everything went well.

"But really and truly, on the ground, principals and teachers are really trying their very best to get things to work. TTUTA is committed to working with the division.

The problem, he said, was "the tendency to just paint a picture that everything is good.

"I do not want on the opposite to paint a picture of just doom and gloom, but we need to be real as we report to the people, so that we can fix the necessary issues accordingly.”

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Tobago kick-starts PH Taxi revolution

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 09:40:01 +0000

Tobago kick-starts PH Taxi revolution admin Mon, 02/08/2021 - 09:40

Monday, February 8, 2021

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Tobago kick-starts PH Taxi revolution

WHILE Police Commissioner Gary Griffith and Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi are making overtures to regularise PH taxis, 60 men in Tobago have had a working model for three months.

Newsday spoke with one of the drivers in the yet to be officiated association, Marlon Smart, who said the drivers got tired of being harassed by police and licensing officials “and decided to come together.”

The issue of PH taxis has been raised repeatedly for well over a decade, usually after women passengers suffer violence at the hands of drivers and other men.

On November 29, 2020, Ashanti Riley, 18, took a PH taxi in San Juan to take her to the Croisee in San Juan. She was on her way to Cocorite to visit her grandmother. Her decomposing body was found on December 4. A 32-year-old PH driver, Luciano Quash, is charged with her murder.

There was outrage and calls for regularisation of PH taxis, again, then it stopped.

The conversation restarted when 22-year-old Andrea Bharatt was kidnapped on January 29 and her decomposing body found on Thursday.Bharatt boarded what she thought was a taxi at King Street, Arima. The car had false “H” licence plates.

At a media conference last Thursday, Griffith said his officers will be creating a database of PH drivers. He said officers will be visiting taxi stands and using the stop-and-search to collate information.

“With that database we can draw reference and see which drivers have criminal records so we can keep monitoring people of interest."

After Riley’s killing, the Prime Minister instructed his ministers, namely Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan to come up with a system to control the illegal industry.

Dr Rowley said then: “I think we need a system of authority and control to be able to exclude undesirable elements. We need a system that permits, identifies and approves who can ply a vehicle for hire. Some system that is enforceable.”

Smart and his fellow PH drivers along with a few taxis found a way. They found a car park in Crown Point to use as their stand. Drivers wanting to join their “association” are made to pay $30 a day to park there to collect passengers, and a small fee to cover the cost of their t-shirts and stickers granting them access to the car park.

Drivers must have the sticker displayed. Their documents are copied and kept on file with a corresponding number to the sticker they display. They are made to wear t-shirts with a telephone contact on it for an office at the car park.

“Drivers got tired of being harassed all the time. This way people can hustle peacefully. We spoke with each other as drivers and together we went to the car park.”

Smart said their move is a “sample” of what can happen and there are plans to make the somewhat informal association more formal.

“We are looking for a stand right now. We have been around for about three months now and we plan to have elections and have a president and these things in the future,” Smart said adding that he does not want to be part of the executive.

He said: “Some people want to do their own thing and they are getting tickets. When we are in the car park, passengers come to us and the drivers are orderly. They wait their turn in line. If someone gets a hired job then they skip the line, but other than that everyone is co-operating.”

Asked about the the illegality of PH taxis and the concern about it being regularised, Smart said PH taxis are a benefit to Tobago. He said since they have been using the car park as their unofficial stand, the members have not been ticketed by police and licensing officers. Things, he said, are “100 per cent smoother.”

In Trinidad, Makesi Peters, special advisor to Al-Rawi told Newsday that the plan to regularise PH taxis will be through technology. He said the task he is focused on is reshaping the entire transportation industry, not just a regularising of PH taxis.

He said it will be multifaceted and will need the involvement of public and private partners. The "Mobility as a Service" platform, which he proposed, will provide three key service options to patrons: tracking the location of public transportation which will assess estimated time of arrival and availability; accessing schedules of public transportation including the water taxi and purchasing tickets virtually.

Peters said the issue is not making the illegal taxis legal, but retrofitting transportation in TT, with technology. He added that the ride share companies existing now will have to play a key role in this.

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Davidson-Celestine: Don't let Bharatt's death be in vain

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 21:10:01 +0000

Davidson-Celestine: Don't let Bharatt's death be in vain admin Sun, 02/07/2021 - 21:10

Sunday, February 7, 2021

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Davidson-Celestine: Don't let Bharatt's death be in vain

The THA Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development stands ready to assist any woman who is a victim of violence.

The division issued a press release on Friday, the day after the discovery of the body of 23-year-old court clerk Andrea Bharatt was found.

Bharatt disappeared on January 29 after getting into a car in Arima which was later found to be carrying false “H” licence plates. Her body was found in the Heights of Aripo on February 4.

The release said the loss of her precious life was beyond devastating for her family and loved ones.

“We can only imagine the grief of those who were closest to her. Our hearts and thoughts are with her family and loved ones. The entire country had one prayer since she went missing. While we did not get the answer we so desperately wanted, let her death not be in vain. We must stand up to protect our women,” it read.

Secretary of the division Tracy Davidson-Celestine urged the public: if you see something, say something.

“While we can’t know of every instance or moment, if you hear something, know something, see something, reach out to the police, call 211, speak to a friend or a family member. Violence against women has to stop,” she said.

Business cannot go on as usual, she said.

"We must all act to bring an end to violence against women. Men and women, talk to your men and women about violence, seek help for yourself or on behalf of someone you know. That includes help for a perpetrator, if at all possible. We can’t behave as if nothing has happened and this is yesterday’s news. Otherwise, we wait on the next headline of heinous violence on yet another woman.”

She added, "We all have a role to play in protecting our women and it starts in the cradle with bringing up a baby. We are responsible for the foundation on which personal development, growth and mental well-being are built.”

The People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council said it was saddened by the death, as “Andrea had...a full life ahead of her, a future full of potential and opportunity.”

It added that sadly, this storyline has become far too familiar to society.

“Women continue to be at risk simply for living their daily lives, whether at home, on social media, even in public spaces. This has to change; every woman deserves to live in safety without fear or threat of violence or bullying.,” it said.

It added: “Just as we waited this week with collective prayers and hopes for news of Andrea's whereabouts, so we must as a nation endeavour to support meaningful change. Women face uncomfortable environments far too often. Cat calls, whistles, harassment and other forms of unsolicited attention are commonplace. The onus is on us now more than ever, as a people, to transcend the denouncement of violence against women and girls; every man and woman must choose to speak out when we witness violence and abuse or other situations that threaten our most vulnerable people.”

The Tobago Council offered its condolences to the family and loved ones of Bharatt noting that it hopes that the authorities take every necessary step to ensure those responsible are brought swiftly, and effectively, to justice.

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PNM sticks with 15 seat proposal to resolve THA deadlock

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 08:40:01 +0000

PNM sticks with 15 seat proposal to resolve THA deadlock admin Sun, 02/07/2021 - 08:40

Sunday, February 7, 2021

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

PNM sticks with 15 seat proposal to resolve THA deadlock

THE draft proposal to end the impasse of the deadlock of the Tobago House of Assembly will see an amendment to create 15 seats.

Speaking at the PNM’s General Council meeting at the Government Campus on Saturday, Tobago Council leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine said after years of consultations it was agreed to change the 12 seats to 15 and Tobago have been seeking to have this done for some time.

"Old people will tell you if you do the same thing over and over and expect different outcome that is a recipe for madness. This situation tells us we need to make changes if we want to move away from a deadlock from a two-party electoral process in Tobago."

She added that since the Tobago Autonomy Bill was sent to Parliament the Tobago arm of the PNM have been urging for changes to the current system. If the amendments are approved, the Bill would have allowed for the THA to settle the deadlock without having to bring the matter to Parliament, she said.

She said the PNM's Tobago arm is steadfast in returning to the polls and wants to do so with the 15 seats. She agreed that the THA Act needs to be amended to facilitate that.

“We cannot go back to the people with 12 seats and what we have now is 15 seats. The 15 did not come out of a hat. It came out as many as seven years of consultations with the people of Tobago which they put forward in the Tobago Autonomy Bill.”

On Wednesday the Prime Minister proposed Parliament amend the Act to break the current THA deadlock after the six-six tie in the January 25 THA election. Dr Rowley said he had legal advice from Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and a senior counsel on the issue.

Since the deadlock the PNM and Progressive Democratic Patriots’ (PDP) have failed to select a presiding officer. The PNM had nominated Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) chairman Ingrid Melville and the PDP nominated Division of Sports and Youth Affairs officer Julien Skeete. Each party rejected the other’s candidate. A third attempt also failed.

While the THA’s incumbent executive council remains in place, without a presiding officer, there is no one to oversee the election of a chief secretary to constitute the Assembly, inclusive of four councillors.

The PDP intends to launch a legal challenge to resolve the deadlock and has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to cover its legal expenses.

General Secretary of the party Foster Cummings said in commemoration of the party's 65 anniversary the PNM will be having an essay competition opened to schools as well as preparing a documentary which is expected to be completed by March.

The PNM celebrated 65 years on January 24.

Part of the celebration will include commemorative work on all the leasers of the party.

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Senior counsel Daly: Let Tobago return to the polls

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 08:40:01 +0000

Senior counsel Daly: Let Tobago return to the polls admin Sun, 02/07/2021 - 08:40

Sunday, February 7, 2021

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Senior counsel Daly: Let Tobago return to the polls

Senior Counsel Martin Daly is suggesting that a fresh Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election be called immediately with the existing 12 electoral districts.

The result of the January 25 THA election ended in deadlock after the People’s National Movement (PNM) and Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) each won six electoral districts.

During the assembly’s 40 years in existence, the THA election has never produced a tie.

The stalemate has given rise to a further dilemma in the THA as PNM and PDP assemblymen failed, on three occasions, to elect a presiding officer to oversee the assembly’s business.

The PNM has nominated Tobago Regional Health Authority chairman Ingrid Melville while the PDP nominated Division of Sports and Youth Affairs coordinator Julien Skeete.

Both parties have since sought legal advice to end the impasse.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister proposed the Parliament amend the existing THA Act 40 of 1996 to resolve the deadlock.

The proposals involve giving the chief secretary the power to break the deadlock and changing the number of seats in the THA.

Dr Rowley said Attorney General Faris al-Rawi has advised that a draft amendment to the legislation should be before the Cabinet “in a matter of days.”

The THA has been suspended indefinitely.

Weighing in on the issue on Saturday, Daly insisted the election be rerun.

“It remains my position that there should be a fresh election for the Tobago House of Assembly immediately but on the existing basis of 12 seats,” he said in a statement.

Daly, a former independent senator, added the proposed legislation should also mandate a rerun of the election on the existing 12 seats.

“Only in default of a result producing control of a majority of seats should there then be an altercation in the number of seats”

The former independent senator argued: “Changing the rules of a contest when a replay is due does not seem to be a good governance practice.”

In relation to the proposal to increase the number of THA seats from 12 to 15 to eliminate the possibility of deadlock, Daly said: “Whatever the reliance on the Elections and Boundaries Commission as impartial in the redrawing of boundaries, the observance of democratic principles becomes an illusion if a party with a vested interest has control of the national Parliament and the choice of the legislative prescription to break the tie, as the PNM does.”

Daly believes the PNM has a vested interest in amending the THA Act “to secure some advantage.”

But he argued: “It is reasonably justifiable, in a democratic society, that taking legislative action to add seats to the 12 existing ones should await at least one further try to complete the election of an assembly on the existing basis.”

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Rowley: Parliament to act to break THA deadlock

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 10:30:01 +0000

Rowley: Parliament to act to break THA deadlock admin Thu, 02/04/2021 - 10:30

Thursday, February 4, 2021

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Rowley: Parliament to act to break THA deadlock

THE Prime Minister on Wednesday proposed Parliament amend the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Act to break the current THA deadlock after the six-six tie in the recent election.

While the THA’s incumbent executive council remains in place, the assembly cannot agree on a presiding officer to oversee the election of a chief secretary to constitute an assembly (including with four councillors) then dissolve it to return to the polls.

Dr Rowley said he had legal advice from Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and a senior counsel. He was speaking at a news conference on Wednesday at the Diplomat Centre in St Ann’s.

“I’m satisfied that an intervention is required and I’m prepared to make that intervention.

“I spoke to the AG before coming to this meeting. I’m advised that a draft amendment could be before Cabinet in a matter of days.”

Rowley proposed two amendments to the THA Act.

The first will give someone the authority to break a deadlock.

“It may be the residual chief secretary who (at present) could only call an election if the four-year term has expired or if a resolution is passed in the assembly so to do. And with no assembly functioning, there can be no resolution and, of course, there’s no four-year term to contemplate at this point in time.

“So the amendment is going to treat with that: Who will have the authority in a deadlock to call an election?”

Rowley warned, a simple rerun of an election could give the same six-six result.

“So there is going to be an amendment to change the number of seats."

He said after a series of past consultations in Tobago, bills were drafted and were now before a parliamentary joint select committee. One proposal was for 15 THA seats.

“The Cabinet will consider that, since by common sense we are required to adjust the number of seats from an even number to an odd number. We’ll take it to Parliament to be debated.”

Whichever number of seats Parliament agrees to, the amendments will go to the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC.)

“For the EBC to act they will have to do their work in the field in Tobago. They will also have to put a report to the Parliament."

Such an EBC report would list the number of seats, plus their locations and electorates, he said.

“Once Parliament accepts that report, an election can be held in Tobago," he said, anticipating no future deadlocks.

“I’ve heard it said from the majority voices in Tobago that they do not wish to have this too long.

“We’d want to do this as soon. It shouldn’t be an extended period.”

He said he would like the Opposition’s support for the amendments, although noting their vow generally to not support government legislation.

Newsday asked if Parliament should first legislate to break the deadlock such as by allowing the drawing of straws, and later to redraw the boundaries.

Rowley replied, “That leaves us with a certain component of arbitrariness, which I see no appetite for and have heard no appetite for.

“To go and legislate to draw straws and legislate to flip a coin, well let’s go further and let’s not have an election at all and just toss a coin, and whoever calls heads correctly be the government.

“It is too important a decision to leave it to the tossing of a coin or the drawing of a straw.” Rowley said the general sentiment was to go back to the polls.

PNM TOBAGO: WAY FORWARD IS CLEAR

PNM Tobago Council leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine said, "The way forward has been clear. The legislation can be amended and will be amended to cover us in what is now an emergency situation. But it’s not a quick fix and I’m happy that due care is being taken to cover as many eventualities as can be envisaged. The inclusion of the 15-seat option, as put forward by the Tobago public for the autonomy bill, also sends a clear signal we will deliver on Tobago’s right to self-determination.

"The inclusion of the Chief Secretary’s role or another legislative position to open the doors to another election in the case of a deadlock is absolutely essential. The critical role of the EBC also speaks to the process going forward.

"This is a time when clear and levels heads must prevail. The public also deserves the truth of what the law permits to move past this deadlock. Our options are clear and Tobagonians deserve to make the choice of who they want to lead this island.

Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis said he was in complete agreement with the PM.

“The Chief Secretary calling an election is consistent with the situation in Trinidad and other places where the Prime Minister can call an election; therefore I agree.

"The proposal for 15 seats was already approved by the THA and Tobagonians in the form of the draft bill on self-government that is currently before the Parliament. I was part of the assembly then and voted in favour of that and therefore I support it now, And... obviously, there should be a way to trigger fresh elections without the intervention of the Parliament if this happens again in the future,” he said.

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Chief Secretary: ‘No need for DesVignes to resign’

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 10:30:01 +0000

Chief Secretary: ‘No need for DesVignes to resign’ admin Thu, 02/04/2021 - 10:30

Thursday, February 4, 2021

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Chief Secretary: ‘No need for DesVignes to resign’

THA Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis has explained why he asked for the resignation of three THA secretaries who did not seek re-election and were replaced, but not that of Councillor Kwesi DesVignes.

On Sunday, during a pre-recorded address, Dennis called on the secretaries to do “the right and proper thing,” but did not mention councillors.

On Monday, three secretaries – Jomo Pitt (Youth Affairs and Sports); Hayden Spencer (Food Production, Forestry, and Fisheries); and Kelvin Charles (Education, Innovation, and Energy) – resigned with immediate effect.

Questions were raised as to why DesVignes, who served as a councillor during the last dispensation and was Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment, was not asked to step down.

DesVignes contested the THA election as the PNM’s candidate for Providence/Mason Hall/Moriah, but lost.

Speaking with Newsday on Tuesday, Dennis said he never called on DesVignes to resign.

But he said he took two decisions "in the interest of good governance" and doing the right thing, and especially during "this very unprecedented period" – a six-six tie in the January 25 THA election. Since then the THA has been unable to agree on a new presiding officer.

One of Dennis's decisions was not to appoint any new secretaries or assistant secretaries; the other was to ask assemblymen who had not sought re-election to resign, though he said, “Legally, none of these persons had to resign. Legally, all those positions of secretary were preserved by the THA Act."

But, he added, "Obviously, that situation does not apply to Kwesi DesVignes, because he came in as a councillor." He pointed out that DesVignes was a councillor before the last THA was dissolved, and at present it is not possible to appoint any new councillors.

He added: “The question of him being unelected does not arise, as that was not the basis of my decision.”

DesVignes: I'll resign if asked to

DesVignes, questioned during a PNM press conference, said he would not have any difficulty in resigning if asked to do so.

“Some people are saying I should resign; some people are saying that I should not. The Chief Secretary has not called upon me to resign. However, it is a mature conversation that I am willing to have.

"For now I continue to serve, and I would be advised by the political leader and the chief secretary.

"If that changes, I would also consult with my family and persons close to me as to the best way forward,” he said.

In the meantime, he called upon people to respect office and respect the rule of law and not let their emotions get the better of them.

He declared, “People are being incited to do certain things and I want to say that threats have been issued to my family and even myself about this particular issue, and that is not the mature way to deal with it.”

ASked whether these threats had been reported to the police, he said, “Not as yet, they were fake profiles that were deleted,” in an apparent reference to threats issued via social media.

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International interest builds for Great Race 2021

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 10:30:01 +0000

International interest builds for Great Race 2021 admin Thu, 02/04/2021 - 10:30

Thursday, February 4, 2021

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

International interest builds for Great Race 2021

THE 2021 TT Great Race is already getting international interest as three teams from the US have shown their willingness to compete in the annual powerboat race.

“The only thing I could tell you is that we have three boats (from the US) already requesting to come for the Great Race on August 21, but again that all depends on covid and our borders,” said Roger Bell, director of public relations and international racing at the TT Powerboat Association (TTPBA). The TT borders have been closed since March last year as people must be granted an exemption to enter.

The TT Great Race has had international competitors before, but the event has never had three foreign entrants in one year. “They have requested to come, but we have written to them and said we would love to have them but at the current time our borders are closed until further notice, but we will keep them abreast.”

Prior to the 2021 TT Great Race on August 21 multiple regattas will be held over the coming months to get the boats and participants prepared for the anticipated event in August.

Motul Monster, four-time winners of the Great Race, will make a return to competitive action this year and will make an appearance in the first 2021 TTPBA Regatta in the Gulf of Paria, from 12.30 pm, on Sunday.

Speaking about the return of Monster, Bell said, “What we are excited about is the return of Motul Monster in the 130 mph class...Monster has won the Great Race four times and the last time being during the 50th running of the Great Race in 2018 where they ascertained the UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) record to Tobago which they still hold.”

The UIM is the international governing body of powerboating.

On Sunday, Monster will compete in the 130 mile per hour (mph) class against Mr Solo Too. Close to 20 teams are expected to participate including boats in the 60 mph, 70 mph, 80 mph, 95 mph and 120 mph classes. Stampede will compete in the 120 mph class and Global Warmer will line up in the 95 mph category.

Sunday’s regatta will be the first of the 2021 National Championship season. “We expect to have five of those (regattas), but due to covid and all the protocols, the regatta will be held out in the Gulf (of Paria). It will be not at any base like Yacht Club per se. The covid protocols will be in effect. There will be no rafting up, no tying up on any jetties. The race boats will have one service boat and all protocols concerning the amount of people allowed on vessels and face masks will be in effect.”

The 2020 Great Race was postponed because of covid19 as it was held on September 26 instead of August when it is normally held.

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Davidson-Celestine: ‘Clear my name, Farley’

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 04:10:01 +0000

Davidson-Celestine: ‘Clear my name, Farley’ admin Thu, 02/04/2021 - 04:10

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Davidson-Celestine: ‘Clear my name, Farley’

Political leader of the Tobago Council of the PNM Tracy Davidson-Celestine has called on the PDP’s deputy political leader Farley Augustine to bring forward any information that he has linking her to any direct involvement in the controversial zipline project.

“Clear my name – let him bring it to the police,” she said.

Davidson-Celestine initiated the zipline project in Tobago's Main Ridge Forest Reserve in 2015 while she served as the THA's tourism secretary, but it has yet to get off the ground. A 2016 management letter from the Auditor General revealed the THA has little to show for the project so far other than a piece of rope, after $2.5 million had been spent.

Davidson-Celestine has refused to accept blame, saying the project had barely started when she left office in 2017.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at her party’s campaign office in Scarborough, Davidson-Celestine said: “I am calling on the deputy political leader of the PDP to clear my name, and if it is that he has any information linking me to anything untoward, let him bring it to the police so that they can investigate it.”

She said she had no direct involvement in the project, nor was there corruption in the arrangement.

She acknowledged that the project, "as I indicated many times before, started when I was the person responsible for direct control of the Division of Tourism and Transportation. We were well intentioned to ensure that Tobago can have some of the best, in terms of sights and attractions, as we move forward to expanding our tourism product.”

She said all the information would reveal a particular process, “one that can stand up to scrutiny, as it had to do with any project under my care and under the direction of me in the Division of Tourism and Transportation.”

She added that there was executive council approval, which would have given the authority to the division and to any other agency to move forward with the project.

In addition, she said, "The project was tendered for, whether it be through sole selective tendering or whatever it is – the important point is that it was tendered for by an arm of the assembly. Monies were assigned.

"Perhaps, maybe there were some issues with late payment, etc, but I am in no way directly involved in any mismanagement of any funding."

She said the vision was to ensure that Tobago had a world-class facility, repeating that “the approval process and procurement and everything was above board. I think that is the important thing in this particular situation that we’re facing.

“I was accused of treating with or misappropriating $2.5 or $3 million, as the case might be. What I am saying to the members of the public and to you, the members of the media: I had no direct involvement in any misappropriation of funds and there is not even that particular situation in the division at this point in time, because everything was above board in terms of the process.

She said it was immaterial whether she issued information at the start of construction.

"It is the process that has been called into question, and my involvement as an individual in that particular process,” she said.

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