ODEKA O’NEIL has reclaimed her life.

Eleven years ago, the former CNC3 news anchor moved to Tobago to take up a position in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) as a senior communications officer in the Division of Settlements, Public Utilities and Rural Development.

O’Neil told WMN on April 7 the move was the result of “a desire for a fresh perspective.”

The experience, she said, has enriched her life in ways she never imagined.

“It has truly been a rewarding journey both personally and professionally. The experience has shaped my growth in ways I never expected and continues to be fulfilling in many aspects,” she said.

The divorced mother of two said there were several factors that influenced her decision.

She yearned for stability, a slower pace of life and the “close-knit community” for which Tobago has historically been known, reminded her of her own upbringing in rural south Trinidad.

“My daughters were just three and nine at the time and I wanted them to grow up in a space that felt safe and connected. Less traffic, a sense of community and a better quality of life all factored into the decision.”

Working on the island, though, was not without its challenges.

“Professionally, adapting to the public sector space, limited budgets and the workplace culture in the division were challenging at first.

“However, my field is dynamic and I love that no two days are the same. I was able to use my multimedia skills in magazine production, photography, PowerPoint animation, social media management and broadcast to support the division’s communications needs.”

O’Neil said on a personal level, the opportunity has “offered my children and me a wonderful lifestyle – from enjoying beaches to embracing nature.”

She said while there are some limitations – fewer shopping options and higher costs of living due to the inter-island transport system – they’ve learned to support and lean on local talent.

“I now feel fully integrated into the culture and community. I like to say I’m a Tobagonian by boat, not birth.”

At the division, O’Neil is part of a small but dedicated team that is responsible for media relations, stakeholder engagement, public information dissemination and crisis communication.

“It’s a demanding role, especially given the socio-political environment and the public’s high demand for housing and utility support. But I enjoy it.”

Her job involves drafting press releases, covering stakeholder site visits, creating visual and written content and advising senior leadership on messaging or overseeing the division’s growing suite of digital platforms, including WhatsApp communities and channels for more immediate and grassroots level engagement.

She told WMN, “In the absence of a full media unit, I have worn many hats, including photographer, graphic designer and sometimes even media trainer.

“I am especially happy that I get to utilise my multimedia and journalistic skills daily, blending creativity with strategy to tell the stories that matter and build trust with our audiences. It’s