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Former Tobago West MP Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis says she was not invited to the official opening of the new East Terminal at the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport in Tobago, but that did not stop her from attending the ceremony. The event, held on Tuesday, October 13, marked a major milestone in Tobago's infrastructure development. In a video statement following the ceremony, Cudjoe-Lewis expressed disappointment that she had not received an invitation, despite having advocated for the airport project during her tenure as a government minister and Member of Parliament. She said former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley contacted her after receiving his own invitation and learning that she had not been invited. According to Cudjoe-Lewis, Rowley's invitation allowed him to bring his wife as a guest, but he instead offered the place to her so she could witness the opening of a project she had championed. She also revealed that PNM political leader Penelope Beckles had attempted to transfer her invitation to Cudjoe-Lewis, but protocol officials reportedly rejected the request. Cudjoe-Lewis thanked Rowley for making it possible for her to attend, describing her appearance as diplomatically storming the event. She questioned why she was invited to other activities organised by the Tobago House of Assembly, including Independence and Republic Day celebrations, but was apparently overlooked for the opening of a major development project. The former minister also reflected on the challenges surrounding the airport's construction, saying she had defended the investment despite public criticism and opposition. She expressed hope that the new terminal would create meaningful opportunities for Tobagonians, including taxi operators, vendors, accommodation providers and other businesses linked to tourism. The airport's East Terminal officially opened on October 13, with flight operations scheduled to begin the following day. While the ceremony represented a significant moment for Tobago, Cudjoe-Lewis made it clear that she was determined to witness the occasion, invitation or not.
Former Tobago West MP Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis says she was not invited to the official opening of the new East Terminal at the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport in Tobago, but that did not stop her from attending the ceremony.
The event, held on Tuesday, October 13, marked a major milestone in Tobago’s infrastructure development.
In a video statement following the ceremony, Cudjoe-Lewis expressed disappointment that she had not received an invitation, despite having advocated for the airport project during her tenure as a government minister and Member of Parliament.
She said former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley contacted her after receiving his own invitation and learning that she had not been invited.
According to Cudjoe-Lewis, Rowley’s invitation allowed him to bring his wife as a guest, but he instead offered the place to her so she could witness the opening of a project she had championed.
She also revealed that PNM political leader Penelope Beckles had attempted to transfer her invitation to Cudjoe-Lewis, but protocol officials reportedly rejected the request.
Cudjoe-Lewis thanked Rowley for making it possible for her to attend, describing her appearance as diplomatically storming the event.
She questioned why she was invited to other activities organised by the Tobago House of Assembly, including Independence and Republic Day celebrations, but was apparently overlooked for the opening of a major development project.
The former minister also reflected on the challenges surrounding the airport’s construction, saying she had defended the investment despite public criticism and opposition.
She expressed hope that the new terminal would create meaningful opportunities for Tobagonians, including taxi operators, vendors, accommodation providers and other businesses linked to tourism.
The airport’s East Terminal officially opened on October 13, with flight operations scheduled to begin the following day.
While the ceremony represented a significant moment for Tobago, Cudjoe-Lewis made it clear that she was determined to witness the occasion, invitation or not.
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