Dr Denise Tsoiafatt Angus drew both ire and praise from Tobagonians when she launched a new political party, the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA), via YouTube last Monday.

Either way, Tsoiafatt Angus has never been one to dwell on people’s opinion of her and the positions she has adopted over the years. But she insisted the IDA does not belong to an individual.

“It belongs to any and every person who chooses to support a change towards equity for all,” Tsoiafatt Angus, 57, said in a WMN interview.

“Though I am a major contributor to the founding philosophy and ideology of the IDA, there are others who were integral in discussions that would have brought forth the organisation that was launched.

“So, in the spirit of inclusion, the party cannot be owned by one person, just as Tobago’s development should not be decided by a few in a room without active participation at every level from Tobagonians and residents on the island.”

Saying her role, thus far, is to be the “voice of the leadership,” Tsoifatt Angus said the party’s core meets later this month to ratify roles and responsibilities.

“From the beginning, our approach has been consultative in nature.”

Tsoiafatt Angus said Tobago’s interests has always been at the heart of her actions – political and otherwise.

She claimed the IDA is the response to Tobagonians’ desire for fresh, inspired leadership given the challenges that arose as a result of the six-six deadlock between the People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) after the January 25 Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election.

“The prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty has led the people of Tobago to express the need for viable options for governance.”

[caption id="attachment_905953" align="alignnone" width="763"] Dr Denise Tsoiafatt Angus says the aim of the new political party, the Innovative Democratic Alliance, is develop a “new Tobago” based on economic freedom and greater opportunities.- File photo/David Reid[/caption]

The party’s aim is develop a “new Tobago” based on economic freedom and greater opportunities. She added it will be based on social gratification where the basic and fundamental rights of every human are reflected in the standard of living of every resident.”

The IDA’s logo, she said, is a fingerprint.

“It is a living symbol of unique human identity. Two fingerprints annexed to depict inclusion and working together with a heart for people, island and country. The fingerprint is a symbol of democracy reminding of the responsibility to vote and participate in shaping our collective future.”

Re-appointed chairman of the Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd on May 6, Tsoiafatt Angus scoffed at the view among some that Tobago is not ready for another political party.

She argued in a democratic system, options create the best platform for greater democracy, transparency, prudence and diligence.

“Tobago is ready for a more transparent and efficient use of their resources, where due diligence is practised and they have a greater s