Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis Declines Senate Consideration, Focuses on Strengthening Tobago Opposition

Following recent speculation about potential replacements for former Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates, Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis has publicly announced her disinterest in the position. Cudjoe-Lewis, in a statement shared on social media, clarified that her full attention is currently dedicated to her role as the Political Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council.

Her primary focus, she noted, is working ‘in the trenches’ with the people of Tobago. She expressed a strong commitment to rebuilding the party, fortifying the movement, and preparing the Opposition for the future. Cudjoe-Lewis emphasized her immediate concern is to establish a ‘credible and effective Opposition in Tobago’ while aligning the PNM to better represent the interests of Tobagonians.

In her statement, Cudjoe-Lewis also expressed her support for Melanie Roberts-Radgman, acknowledging her work as the sole Tobago Opposition Senator, and endorsed her parliamentary efforts. The statement was released in response to media conjecture suggesting Cudjoe-Lewis as a likely successor for John-Bates, who recently resigned from the Senate amid controversy surrounding a committee inquiry matter.