After his party suffered a stunning defeat in Monday’s Tobago House of Assembly election, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley gave an assurance that central government will respect the wishes of Tobagonians and continue working towards the development of the sister isle.

The PNM- which held control in Tobago for over 20 years- failed to secure a single of the 15 seats up for grabs on Monday as the PDP- a party only five years old- dominated in a historic victory.

Read the full Statement by Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Political Leader of the People’s National Movement, Dr Keith Rowley:

Once again, the people of Tobago have gone to the polls, as required, and have taken part in free and fair elections, cementing our position that in this nation democracy is very much alive and well taken care of.

The results have clearly indicated that the people of Tobago, on this occasion, have opted for change. The People’s National Movement, having managed the affairs of Tobago for 21 years, unbroken, must thank the people of Tobago for the many occasions when you would have entrusted us with the responsibility for your care, attention and development.

On this occasion when we have been replaced, even in disappointment, we commit to continue to be of service to all the people of Tobago, remain resolute in our support of the further development of the island and the improvement in the quality of life of all Tobagonians.

The various campaigns held out various clear positions to the people and the winning party, the Progressive Democratic Patriots, now has a clear mandate to stand by the commitments it held out to the population of Tobago.

The PNM and the Central Government will continue to respect the wishes of the people of Tobago and will do all that is within its capacity and responsibility to ensure that Tobago progresses within the administration of Trinidad and Tobago as required by the existing laws and our common pursuit of national development.