SCARBOROUGH, Tobago– Political leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) Watson Duke has resigned as Deputy Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) with immediate effect, following a falling out with THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine.

In the resignation letter sent to Augustine on Thursday, Duke wrote that he had lost all confidence.

“Dear Chief Secretary, I am writing to formally resign as Deputy Chief Secretary of the Tobago Hoùse of Assembly. 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,” Duke stated.

“As you know, democracy and transparency have always been part of my political philosophy. I have seen firsthand that you chose to fight against me rather than 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 would be reviewed.

Augustine’s actions had followed Duke posting a video on Facebook accusing the THA of abandoning the Roxborough Folk Performing Group in New York.

Duke had claimed that the 27 Tobagonians were stranded without food or shelter.

Augustine said the THA was not responsible for the trip but had agreed to cover the airfare while the performers were to arrange their accommodation.

He added that he assisted with meals after being contacted by Duke about the performers’ situation.