FORMER PNM La Horquetta/Talparo campaign manager turned UNC candidate Phillip Watts secured a landslide victory in the constituency in April 28's election.

Watts' win swung the previous marginal seat to the UNC's favour, with a lead of nearly 3,000 votes on election night.

In the 2020 general election, the seat was separated by 1,923 votes – with PNM getting 9,713 votes and the UNC getting 7,790.

The UNC won the election on April 28 with 26 seats to the PNM's 13, while the Tobago People's Party got two seats.

Newsday visited La Horquetta on April 29 and spoke to residents whose reaction to the results were mixed – as many celebrated, some expressed shock, while others held onto optimism.

Dressed in her blue UNC polo, Afisha Simon-Taylor said the result was amazing for the constituency.

"It’s not just a victory for me but a victory for the people of La Horquetta/Talparo."

Simon-Taylor said the PNM's Foster Cummings was not a good MP – as some in the media "portrayed him to be.

"We know social media and the papers will spread lies and rumours and say how he work. But up to now I can’t get an office day to see him from when he was in power. The people was crying out for help and the people spoke (by voting him out)."

She described Watts as a man of integrity, who had done work in the constituency prior to his run for the MP's office.

"He held sports days and gave out hampers. I had no doubt he was going to take here by storm."

[caption id="attachment_1152358" align="alignnone" width="683"] UNC supporter Afisha Simon-Taylor was happy that candidate Phillip Watts wrested the La Horquetta/Talparo constituency from the PNM's Foster Cummings. - Photo by Mya Quamie[/caption]

A resident from Michael Anthony Avenue in Phase 2, La Horquetta, who did not want to give his name, and said he felt good as change was needed.

"While Cummings' work was good enough, what I was seeing on the ground from the UNC's camp was better.

"Now it's to wait and see what can be done. Kamla and the UNC are experienced and they are not foolish."

A woman from Inshan Ali Boulevard, who also did not want to give her name, was elated by the results.

"The youths in the back here saw the struggles for the last ten years and have been asking for things and it was few people was getting that assistance.

"It was sad to see how much good youths there is in La Horquetta that want better for themselves. We hope now that our representative delivers for them."

She said she went to Cummings' office on numerous occasions, but was ignored.

"I never got that fair share to voice my opinion. I never get that ear from them. I have nothing bad to say about Cummings, but the people around him is who are not nice."

Some residents, who were dissatisfied with the outcome, also spoke to Newsday.

A woman from Phase 4, La Horquetta, said she expected better results.

"Foster did a lot for the youths and it was shocking that he lost by amount of votes he lost by.

"I really hope Watts can continue and all the promises that Kamla and