Shamfa Cudjoe Lewis Becomes New PNM Tobago Leader After Marathon Vote
Shamfa Cudjoe Lewis has been elected as the new PNM Tobago council leader after an eight‑hour vote count, defeating independent rival Kelvon Morriss. She pledges a volunteer‑driven, grassroots renewal to rebuild the party after its recent electoral loss.
Shamfa Cudjoe Lewis emerged as the new PNM Tobago leader after a marathon vote count that wrapped up just after 2 a.m., promising a fresh start for the party.
Election Night Drama
The eight‑hour tally saw the former sports minister edge out independent challenger Kelvon Morriss, while other independents also secured seats on the council. Cudjoe Lewis ran as an independent candidate against Morriss, who headed the Team Unity slate.
A surprisingly low‑key scene unfolded at the party headquarters, where about fifteen supporters gathered around a smiling Cudjoe Lewis. The contrast was stark: her opponent arrived with dancers and a larger crowd earlier in the day.
Repeatedly, Cudjoe Lewis reminded attendees that “my people is Kelvon people, Kelvon people is my people,” a phrase meant to bridge factional divides. She thanked her modest campaign team, describing them as a “quiet storm” that listened closely to grassroots voices.
The significance of this victory goes beyond the numbers.. Running a budget‑friendly campaign with volunteers rather than lavish spending, Cudjoe Lewis highlighted that most of her supporters are young volunteers eager to see change within the PNM.. She emphasized that party groups act as small community hubs, fostering a sense of family among members and helping rebuild morale after the party’s defeat in the last Tobago House of Assembly elections.
Historically, the People’s National Movement has dominated Tobago politics for decades, but recent electoral setbacks have exposed internal fractures and voter fatigue. The council’s narrow win reflects a broader desire among Tobagonians for renewal and more responsive leadership.
A volunteer who helped with the ballot count recalled the crisp sound of shuffling papers late into the night, noting how the dedication of ordinary members kept the process moving despite paper shortages.. “We felt the weight of the moment,” she said, “but also the hope that our effort could turn the tide for the party.”
The rise of independents like Cudjoe Lewis and the success of other unaffiliated candidates signal a shifting dynamic within the PNM, where traditional party structures are being challenged by grassroots movements.. This trend mirrors similar changes in Caribbean politics, where voters increasingly favor candidates who appear directly connected to community concerns.
Looking ahead, Cudjoe Lewis plans to launch a membership drive aimed at revitalizing party groups and re‑energizing the base.. Ballot counting for the remaining fifteen executive positions continues today, and the new leader hopes to fill those roles with volunteers who share her vision of a lean, community‑focused PNM.