Farley Augustine Dismisses US Radar Installation As Non-Factor In THA Elections
Political Leader of the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), Farley Augustine, has dismissed claims that the ‘radar’ issue in Tobago would have any effect on the outcome of the THA elections.
Speaking to reporters in Speyside shortly after voting on Monday, he said a misplaced ID card kept him back a few hours before heading to the polls, but added that otherwise the process was smooth.
« I was trying to dig in every bag, in every wallet, in every shirt pocket, every suit pocket, that is, to see if I could find it, but I didn’t. And so I trusted the process. They did an affirmation, they checked in the binder. It was there with my photograph. »
On voter turnout, he said participation was strong in some districts, noting that Tobagonians normally turn out more for THA than general elections.
« Well, it’s mixed. Some areas the turnout is high, particularly in Tobago East. But that’s very typical of Tobago East in these elections. We do expect overall to have a higher voter turnout than we did in April, if the trajectory continues as it were this morning. »
He also commended the EBC for handling administrative challenges efficiently.
« They have been very responsive to any concern that we have, and if things continue as they are now, we should have a very good night tonight. »
Mr. Augustine was also asked by reporters whether the US radar installation in Tobago would had any effect on the voters.
« I think one political party tried to make it a key feature. I don’t think it is. I don’t think it is what Tobagonians will be voting on. Based on my interaction with Tobagonians, their key issues are, among many others, employment, youth unemployment or underemployment. »
TTT News also spoke to Deputy Political Leader of the Tobago People’s Party, Dr. Faith Brebnor, who said despite a minor incident, there were no discrepancies or issues.
« So, I have had no issue, but I understand that there was an issue with the requirement that was necessary for our polling agents, I think. But I think that was resolved in one of the stations down on the west. But I think that was resolved. »
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro also assured that there were no real hiccups.
« Thus far, we have been able to discern that for this morning, we can report no reports of electoral violence, any discrepancies and all of that, so we have a very smooth voting process across the entire polling, all the polling divisions. »
