The race for Tobago West is shaping up to be a fierce one, as a record nine candidates filed their nomination papers at the Calder Hall Multipurpose Facility.
The candidates are aiming to win Tobago West from the PNM’s Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis.
On Friday, she was accompanied by drummers, dancers, music trucks, and supporters ahead of filing her nomination papers. Among those with her were the PNM’s Tobago East candidate, Ayanna Webster-Roy; Political Leader of the PNM Tobago Council, Ancil Dennis; Minority Leader of the THA, Kelvon Morris; and other members of the Tobago Council.
With her receipt in hand, Mrs. Cudjoe-Lewis said the process was smooth and expressed confidence in securing a third term in office.
“At the end of the day, it’s about experience and really looking at the track record. I feel confident. We have other persons who have entered. We have a larger number of candidates. I think this is the largest number of candidates I’ve been up against. This is my third time. I wish everybody the best. I hope we run a smooth, clean campaign and that Tobagonians be wise and do the right thing.”
Eight candidates also successfully filed their nomination papers for Tobago West at the Calder Hall Multipurpose Facility, each expressing confidence in their chances of success at the polls on April 28th.
The other candidates are:
- Joel Sampson (Tobago People’s Party)
- Ricardo Phillips (Class Action Reform Movement)
- Dexter James (All People’s Party)
- Nickocy Phillips (Unity of the People)
- Aretha Clarke (The Patriotic Front)
- Kay Trotman (Innovative Democratic Alliance)
- Curtis Williams (Progressive Democratic Patriots)
- Leroy George (Independent)
In Tobago East, the PNM’s incumbent candidate, Ayanna Webster-Roy, also received a massive show of support. She displayed her receipt following the successful filing of her nomination papers at the John Dial Multipurpose Facility, and expressed feeling overwhelmed by the support for her candidacy. She specifically addressing undecided voters, encouraged them to vote for progress and action.
“I want undecided voters to know that this election is very important. It’s not about making a decision for today but for tomorrow. It’s about setting a foundation for future generations of Trinbagonians, and just reflect. Reflect on the work done over the years. Reflect of the policies that have been put forward by our new Prime Minister, the Honourable Stuart Richard Young, and reflect on all that we would have shared with you thus far on the campaign trail.”
Four other candidates also filed their nomination papers for the Tobago East seat. They are:
- Watson Duke (Progressive Democratic Patriots)
- David Thomas (Tobago People’s Party)
- Wade Caruth (The Patriotic Front)
- Gerard Balfour (Innovative Democratic Alliance)