Tobago Chief Secretary’s Roadside Wardrobe Change Sparks Public Debate
July 24, 2025–A social media video posted by Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, depicting him changing clothes by the roadside, has ignited a lively public debate across the island. The video, shared by Augustine himself, shows him in a vest and underwear before he puts on a suit, with accompanying text stating, “Some days you just have to have a wardrobe change on the road.” The footage was captured as he was en route to the homegoing service of Pastor Lennon Robely.
This personal glimpse into the Chief Secretary’s preparations quickly prompted discussions concerning the delicate balance between the privacy of public officials and their public image. The incident gained further traction following a social media post from former Tobago East MP and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ayanna Webster-Roy, titled “As I See it: A Letter to the Honourable Chief Secretary and Fellow Bishopian.”
The widespread sharing of the video has brought to the forefront questions about the intersection of personal moments and public office. Observers are deliberating whether a shared private act, even one as seemingly mundane as changing clothes, can alter public perceptions of a politician’s judgment. Conversely, some are questioning if the reaction is an overblown response in an era characterized by constant digital sharing and the blurring lines between public and private lives.
The conversation continues to unfold vigorously across various social media platforms, with Tobago Updates actively soliciting and sharing public opinions on the matter.
