Ten months after his defeat by a slim margin in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election, Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) candidate for Bon Accord/ Crown Point, Joel "Nuttsy" Sampson, is confident he can bring a change that will significantly improve the lives of constituents. Sampson, who lost to PNM's Clarence Jacob by 54 votes on January 25, will battle the same opponent in round two in the December 6 THA election.
In an interview with Newsday on Friday, Sampson, 38, described himself as a “humble individual and multifaceted young man” who is ready to address longstanding issues within his community. Sampson, one of five losing PDP candidates retained for this election, said he has stayed active in the community, distributing hampers weekly and donating book vouchers and devices to students, among other things.
“After the election, I never stopped campaigning. I stayed connected with the community."
This election, which will feature 15 seats instead of 12, has seen the Canaan/Bon Accord electoral district changed to Bon Accord/Crown Point.
Asked what people in the area are lobbying for, Sampson said, "Most of the residents just want jobs, some want proper roads, others want a sporting facility.”
[caption id="attachment_920479" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PDP candidate Joel “Nuttsy” Sampson talks to Newsday on Friday. - Photo by David Reid[/caption]
He promises to provide job opportunities for young people, fix infrastructural issues, road rehabilitation and establish programmes and activities to enhance the quality of life for all in the area. “Since I know myself I have always been helping people, that’s why it hurts when I see poor roads, flooding in the streets in Canaan and Crown Point, and people crying out for help. We are in a family in this district and it's time I help my family.” Sampson, whose nickname derives from his love for nuts as a child, acknowledged being a strong PNM supporter in the past and a former ally of his current political opponent.
But he said he became disenchanted with the representation over the years.
“I sat and said I was done with this politics after assisting Jacob. The people deserved more. They weren’t getting the representation they deserved and only a few were benefiting.”
Not long after, Sampson was approached by PDP candidate for Bethesda/Les Coteaux, Zorisha Hacket, with an offer to join their team.
“I decided I could take a chance, so I gave it some thought. When she approached me I wasn’t sure because of the mudslinging and slander involved. But she was sure I have much to offer to Tobago because I’m heavily involved in the community.”
Though his family shared mixed views on his plans to throw his hat in the political ring and cross the floor, he felt strongly in his heart that this was his chance to be the change he would like to see. After weeks of heavy campaigning, his team anxiously looked on from his Canaan office as the votes counted on election night.
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