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The Police Service denies targeting supporters of the Progressive Democratic Patriots during the campaign leading up to the Tobago House of Assembly election. 

This follows a physical fight at the Port Mall involving a plain-clothes police officer and a PDP supporter. 

Speaking with members of the media outside the Assembly Chamber yesterday, ACP William Nurse rubbished the claims. 

ACP Nurse expressed concern for PDP supporters gathered outside the Assembly Chamber with little physical distancing. 

He also told of the police’s position on the reopening of beaches as promised by now Deputy Chief Secretary Watson Duke. 

ACP Nurse urged anyone with additional information regarding the incident at the Port Mall to come forward.

Meanwhile Chief Secretary Farley Augustine is expected to speak on the issue surrounding his deputy Watson Duke today.

Mr. Duke was sworn in as Deputy Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly yesterday.

But he still heads the Public Services Association.

Minority Leader Kelvon Morris is taking issue with this.

He believes it has the potential to cause conflicts of interest.

Mr. Morris says as his first order of business he will be writing to the Chief Secretary on the matter

However, Mr. Augustine sees no issue with this since Mr. Duke remains PSA President without a salary.

Nevertheless the Chief Secretary promised to tell the media more on the situation today.

Mr. Augustine is expected to address the media at 2 o’clock this afternoon.

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi has already written to Mr. Augustine on the matter.

In the letter dated December 9^th the Attorney General told the Chief Sectary, Mr. Duke cannot hold both positions simultaneously as it would be a breach of the law.

Mr. Al Rawi said, it is clear from a proper understanding of the THA Act Chapter 25:03 in combination with other laws and from long-standing constitutional conventions, that the assumption of executive office precludes the continuation of employment or occupation elsewhere.

He said, Mr. Duke must now choose which of these 2 positions he will commit himself to serve, as he cannot lawfully do both.

The Attorney General called on Mr. Augustine to advise as a matter of utmost urgency and immediacy as to what this choice will be, saying this will have serious constitutional implications for the new council.

Former President of the Public Services Association Jennifer Baptiste Primus says Watson Duke cannot hold dual positions in the Tobago House of Assembly and the PSA.

She says the situation should not have been allowed occur in the first instance and Mr. Duke is well aware of the ramifications.

Yesterday Mr. Duke was sworn in as Deputy Chief Secretary of the THA.

Many have expressed concerns over the legality of Mr. Duke holding the positions.

Speaking on The Morning Show on i95.5fm today Mrs. Baptiste-Primus said the PSA rules warrants Mr. Duke to make a choice.

The former Labour Minister said the constitution does not allow for Mr. Duke to hold both positions.

She said Mr. Duke is in violation of the constitution.

Four days after the Progressive Democratic Patriots swept the polls in Tobago, secretaries and assistant secretaries are appointed to the House of Assembly.

The ceremony took place at the Tobago House of the Assembly chamber.

This morning the fourteen secretaries took their oaths.

The PDP captured 14 of the 15 electoral districts in Monday’s election.

Newly minted Chief Secretary Farley Chavez Augustine is expected to appoint the secretaries and assistant secretaries to their various posts later today.

Meanwhile the official recounts in the Tobago House of Assembly poll are completed with no change to the outcome.

Via a statement yesterday, the Elections and Boundaries Commission says there is no change in the results.

The EBC says, the PDP candidate in the electoral district of Buccoo/Mt. Pleasant, Sonny Craig’s vote, increased by 1, extending his lead to 3 votes against his opponent Ancil Dennis.

In the electoral district of Darrel Spring/Whim, the EBC says, there was no change to the votes received for either candidate at the close of poll.

The commission notes that Darrel Spring/Whim was the only electoral district captured by the PNM.

The Progressive Democratic Patriots won the Tobago House of Assembly elections on Monday taking 14 of the 15 electoral districts.

Farley Augustine, will take the Oath of Office as Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly today.

The 36-year-old is among 15 newly elected Assemblymen who will take their Oaths of Office this morning. 

The Swearing In Ceremony takes place at the Magdalina Grand from 11 o’clock. 

President Paula-Mae Weekes, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Chief Justice Ivor Archie will be present.