TOP accuses PNM of running racist anti-Indian campaign in Tobago

The Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) has accused the People's National Movement (PNM) of running a racist campaign in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election.

The party produced an audio tape with what is says is the voice of Hilton Sandy, PNM representative for Roxborough/Delaford and Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, from a political meeting.

This is what Sandy is alleged to have said:

"Be strong, do not let anyone distract you, you are focused, you are on a good ship, because as I told another crew down the road there is a ship at Calcutta waiting to sail to Tobago. 

"That ship is waiting to sail to Tobago; they are waiting to get the results of this election, if you bring the wrong results, Calcutta ship is coming down for you! You must stop that ship! We must not allow that ship to sail and if you don't want the ship to sail what you have to do? Vote the candidate Hilton!"

TOP claimed that Sandy "proudly made these pronouncements in the presence of the PNM's Political Leader Dr Keith Rowley, Chief Secretary Orville London and other members of the rank and file of the party".

TOP said after Sandy made his speech Rowley and London applauded in full agreement and welcomed him back to his seat "with a standing ovation and warm embrace".

The party said, "Having no policy for the future of Tobago or record to run their campaign on after spending $22 billion in 12 years, the PNM has focused their campaign on maligning the name of Tobago Organisation of the People candidates and making injurious statements about the invasion of East Indians into Tobago."