Scarborough – Political leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP), Watson Duke resigned as Deputy Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) with immediate effect on Thursday, following a falling out with THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine.
In the resignation letter, Duke wrote that he had lost all confidence in Augustine.
“Dear Chief Secretary, I am writing to formalise my resignation with immediate effect as Deputy Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly,” Duke stated.
“I will not accept your invitation to fight for such or any position. I wish to remind you, I gave you the authority to become Chief Secretary, and now I remove myself to ensure that the voice of the PDP will be heard.
“As you are aware, democracy and transparency have always been part of my political philosophy. I have seen first hand that you chose to fight against me rather than fight for our people. I have lost all confidence in you.”
Last Friday, the PDP leader fired Augustine along with THA Health Secretary Faith B. Yisrael and Alicia Roberts-Patterson as the party’s deputy political leaders, hours after Augustine announced that Duke’s responsibilities as Deputy Chief Secretary will be reviewed.
Augustine’s actions followed Duke posting a video on Facebook accusing the THA of abandoning the Roxborough Folk Performing Group on a trip to the United States.
Duke claimed that the 27 Tobagonians were stranded in New York City without food or shelter.
Augustine said the THA was not responsible for the trip, but it had agreed to cover the airfare, while the performers were to arrange their own accommodation.
He added that he also assisted with meals after being contacted by Duke about the performers’ situation.
