Progressive Democratic Patriots political leader Watson Duke has declared his support for Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, amid rumours of a fracture between him and THA secretaries over plans for a reshuffle.
The reshuffle, which was first announced in January 2023, was finally expected to happen on Wednesday. However, the post-Executive Council media briefing was cancelled.
Instead, Augustine, who was expected to make an announcement, flew to Trinidad.
Sources claimed a meeting with Augustine and THA secretaries on Wednesday morning became heated over the rearrangement of the executive.
And instead of the reshuffle, sources claimed changes were made to the roles of assistant secretaries.
Duke, who was once an ally to the Chief Secretary, is now saying he is prepared to defend any attempt to overthrow Augustine.
In a message to his former political friend, Duke said, “There are many bo rats in your executive. I understand that some people are feeling themselves in your executive. I want to let you know all of Tobago stands behind you in doing your duty.”
Duke urged Augustine to “bite the bullet” and rearrange his administration for the benefit of Tobago. “It is not enough to say that you cannot do it. You must do it. The Chief Secretary must reshuffle his executive. He has to bite the bullet and rearrange your secretaries in a way that represents the growth and development of the Tobago economy,” he added.
Duke said Tobago has remained stagnant with no major stimulus to drive the tourism and business communities.
“I, Watson Duke, will not stand and watch foolishness take place. If there is anyone threatening the Chief Secretary, saying ‘if he moves them they are going to gang up and vote against him’, I will not support such a vote.
I will work with Tobago to ensure they don’t support such a vote. If the Chief Secretary cannot manage Tobago, he should surrender Tobago or move a motion to call the election. I will support that. But I will not support a coup,” Duke stressed.
He urged the executive council to respect Augustine’s decisions.
Augustine could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Speaking to the reshuffle on Monday night, however, Augustine only hinted to something exciting about to happen, without revealing anything further. He then confirmed that he would appear at the post-Executive Council media briefing this week.