PNM Tobago Council Demands Immediate Firing of THA Official Hanif Benjamin Following Sexual Offence Charges
July 31, 2025 – The People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council is demanding the immediate dismissal of Hanif Benjamin, Director of Social Protection within the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), following his recent charge with two sexual offences involving a minor under the Children’s Act.
In a strongly worded statement issued today, the PNM criticized what it described as the THA’s vague response to the serious allegations and accused the administration of appointing Benjamin without a formal, transparent, or merit-based process.
The Council stated that Benjamin’s continued employment in a sensitive, high-level role is “dangerous and disrespectful” to Tobagonians, particularly its vulnerable populations. The PNM is also calling for a public explanation from Chief Secretary Farley Augustine on the hiring process used and is demanding the implementation of stricter hiring protocols for senior THA positions, especially those involving the care of children. They warned that the situation represents a failure in basic governance and a threat to public trust in the island’s social services.
