tidings
Corey Connelly
Political commentator Ralph Maraj believes that THA Secretary General Farley Augustine may finally cut ties with the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP).
“It is difficult to see how Farley can continue in the PDP under (party leader Watson) Duke. He will eventually have to go his own way,” he told Newsday.
Maraj, a former government minister who served in both the PNM and UNC administrations, also believes Tobagonians can return to the polls.
“After such an overwhelming mandate, I believe this will be utterly tragic.”
He was commenting on the ongoing public spat between Augustine and Duke over THA’s response to the reported plight of 27 members of the Roxborough Folk Performers who were scheduled to perform at several events in New York ahead of the Labor Day festivities.
Duke claimed that THA, apart from the airfare, did not provide funds to the group to cover additional expenses. Augustine denied this.
The PDP leader, who relinquished his post as Deputy Chief Secretary last Thursday, was replaced by Health, Welfare and Social Protection Secretary Dr Faith BYisrael.
She was sworn in on Monday at the President’s House, St Ann’s following her election at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex earlier in the day.
Duka, who promised to take Agustin to task for failing to fulfill the party’s mandate in THA, also accused him of corruption.
Augustini, on the other hand, has said that he plans to sue the Duke and is already consulting with his lawyers.
The duke has said that he will not sit with PPD members in the room, but on the opposite side.
Maraj said the Duke should have discussed his concerns privately with Augustin before going public.
“Things escalated after the Duke fired Farley as deputy political director and resigned as THA’s Deputy General Secretary.
“But I am convinced that although Farley was wrong not to attempt dialogue before going public (when he announced the review of the Duke’s portfolio as Deputy Chief Secretary), he would not have succeeded in satisfying the Duke, who appears uncontrollable. It seems inevitable that these two would have ended up in a serious conflict.
“It’s all very sad for Tobagonians in particular and for the country.”
In light of these developments, Maraj said that it is unlikely that Agustin can continue to function within the PPD, although: “I would like him to survive this fade.”
“He made an impressive start as Chief Secretary and showed great promise as a politician for the entire nation.”
After Israel was sworn in, Augustine set out an ambitious agenda for the THA.
He said she will be asked to lead Tobago’s fight for greater autonomy as the bill is scheduled to be debated during this parliamentary session.
Augustine also said talks are underway to establish a THA presence in Trinidad at 22-24 Pembroke Street, Port of Spain. The office will be under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Deputy Chief Secretary.
