Kerr 'Calcutta Ship' Tactics Dead'
Olando Kerr has forcefully dismantled the political narrative attempting to link the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) to the United National Congress (UNC), declaring that the fear-mongering tactics of the past no longer hold sway over the Tobagonian electorate. Speaking at a recent political meeting, Kerr addressed the recurring accusations suggesting a covert alliance between the entities, dismissing them as desperate attempts to distract from the administration’s progress.
Kerr argued that the focus should be on effective governance and cooperation rather than political tribalism. He highlighted that the current administration has been able to secure critical wins for the island that were previously elusive under former arrangements. He pointed to specific achievements, such as the securing of export licenses and the implementation of later flights, as evidence of what can be achieved when the leadership is focused on results rather than rhetoric.
« If we have a Central Government that is cooperative… and we are getting it now, » Kerr stated, suggesting that the administration is willing to work with any entity that facilitates Tobago’s development. He posited that opponents are trying to « paint a narrative » of illicit alignment simply because the administration is successfully navigating inter-governmental relationships to the island’s benefit.
In a direct rebuke of the opposition’s strategy, Kerr referenced the infamous « Calcutta Ship » slogan—a racially charged political tool used in the 2013 election to dissuade support for the then-partnership. He asserted that such divisive strategies have lost their potency. « The Calcutta Ship thing, that was long time, » Kerr declared, emphasizing that the population has evolved. « It nah work… Tobago not buying it. Cut it out. »
Kerr’s comments signal a refusal by the TPP to be drawn into defensive postures regarding their strategic partnerships, instead framing their actions as pragmatic steps toward Tobago’s autonomy and economic stability.
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