Shamfa wants to contest Tobago West seat … again

Tobago Correspondent

Tobago West MP Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis says she remains committed to staying connected with her constituents and continuing her service. She is ready to contest the seat again.

“I say yes, I intend to offer myself again.”

Cudjoe-Lewis, who has already served two terms, said she was not intimidated by the new Tobago People’s Party or any challenger for the seat within the PNM.

Her strategy, she said, is to let her work speak for itself.

“It’s all about a relationship with the people you serve. Oftentimes, when we walk from place to place, it’s not only about finding out what people want. Sometimes, people want to scold you. Sometimes, people want to advise you. So it’s about building a relationship, maintaining a relationship. Of course, there are certain vibes that you pick up from the ground here and there. Some of them you could fix; some of them you can’t fix immediately.”

With the PNM screening process in Trinidad in full swing, Cudjoe-Lewis is preparing to face the committee when screening begins for the Tobago seats.

“What I appreciate most about the people of Tobago West is that they are reasonable people. I think they are understanding. It’s a relationship, it’s a conversation. It’s no shouting, no cussing us and that kind of thing, which I’m very grateful for. It’s about remaining in contact and being truthful and honest about what you can do and what you can’t do.”

Cudjoe-Lewis admitted some concerns raised by constituents take time to resolve, especially the concerns that fall under the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

However, some constituents felt she could do more to represent them and wanted to see more of her in the area. Bethel resident Gary Walters told Guardian Media, “She could do better, that is we gyal. I know Shamfa from a child. She knows me well, so I hope she’s not vex with me, but I need proper representation.”

Others said they were satisfied with her work.

“I don’t have any problem. I know she’s doing right. She’s into sports, and we could see her at Mt Gomery.”

Others who didn’t want to be identified also said they had no issues with Cudjoe-Lewis and wanted her to stay as their MP.

In response, Cudjoe-Lewis mentioned the challenge of balancing her duties in Trinidad with being present as she’d like in Tobago.

She spoke of doubling up on her community walkabouts and keeping her team on the ground, even when she’s in Trinidad.

Cudjoe-Lewis first won the Tobago West seat in the 2015 general election.

Her win shifted power back to the PNM following the Tobago Organisation of the People’s rule.

In the 2020 election, she retained her seat, fending off three contenders—Tashia Grace Burris of the PDP, Ricardo Phillip of the Class Action Reform Movement and Nickocy Phillips of Unity of the People.

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