The Progressive Democratic Patriots's (PDP) historic 14-1 defeat of the People's National Movement (PNM) in Monday's Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election may have surprised Trinis, but Tobagonians knew sweeping changes were on the horizon.
As seat after seat was declared for the PDP after the polls closed on Monday, the island exploded into celebration as the six-six deadlock from the January 25 election was broken.
PNM had controlled the assembly for 21 consecutive years, and was campaigning for another term based on providing "stability and continued development."
But its appeals were drowned by cries for change.
On Tuesday afternoon, Tobago was buzzing at almost every corner as the public discussed the election outcome and shared hopes on how they anticipate the next four years under a PDP administration would be.
They all said PNM stood no chance.
"That cuta-- was booked," Kurt Solomon of Buccoo told Newsday.
He said Tobago's voting pattern has changed with the new generation.
"This surprised those old folk, not us. Nobody really surprised here. It's always, 'PNM till I dead,' with this old generation. A lot of the elders pass away. This generation smarter. We vote for action."
He said the PNM had got too comfortable in power for two decades.
"I know PNM all my life. I just wanted to see what difference we could see. That 41 years they holding on to Buccoo, we caused that and made them comfortable."
[caption id="attachment_928499" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Harrison Nedd of Buccoo, Tobago discuss the THA election result on Tuesday. - Jeff K. Mayers[/caption]
PNM supporter Harrison Nedd told Newsday even though he pushed hard to get votes for his party, he observed the PDP had galvanised the support of the younger people.
"I'm a PNM, but I feel the youths make PDP win. They get in their head.
"People say they want change, so let's see the evidence of change. I hope they use the money wise and pave the way for youths."
Nedd admitted he wasn't pleased with outgoing chief secretary Ancil Dennis' representation in Buccoo/Mt Pleasant.
"He just study to bling and giving out Cepep work."
Andre Guy, a reef tour operator, also believed Tobago deserved a change, but he had some concerns about the PDP.
"I have no problem with results. Tobago has finally spoken and taken a stand for injustice for all these years under PNM. We really don't want this party, but we want change and this is best option."
[caption id="attachment_928417" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PDP supporters celebrate at their party's headquarters in Roxborough, Tobago on Monday night. - David Reid[/caption]
In the coming years he hopes to see the resources allocated to the island being shared equally.
Tony Noel said he spent the last few years disgusted by the way the PNM handled Tobago's affairs.
"This had to happen like that and God never give a blessing to Tobago like that. God put his hand."
John Payne of Darrel Spring said he was intrigued by the vision of a new Tobago as sold by the PDP on the
