Click to view full size

Economist Dr Vanus James does not believe Tobago's problems will be addressed by the current government.

In an interview with Newsday on May 5, James said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is not aware of the issues affecting Tobagonians. On April 28, the UNC coalition won 26 seats in the general election while the PNM got 13 and the TPP won the two Tobago seats. The two Tobago representatives are David Thomas in the East and Joel Sampson in the West.

The TPP campaigned on using the two Tobago seats to negotiate with whoever is in power, to secure autonomy and other benefits for Tobago. However, James said Thomas and Sampson, although MPs, are not able to effect change for the island.