Warner on former mayor: I did all I could

Former Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner said he did his best to assist his long-time friend and colleage, former Chaguanas mayor Natasha Navas, to get help after she reportedly fell on tough times in recent years.

Newsday spoke yesterday to Warner, who said he has provided financial support over the past eight months and has had her admitted to psychiatric clinics in Mayaro and later in Maracas, as well as covering her living expenses.

However, he said Navas told him she would rather be left alone and he has not heard from her since.

Warner endorsed Navas when she was nominated as mayor in 2009 and later became her closest ally.

Newsday also spoke to current Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodhan, who said Navas’ plight had engaged the attention of the Chaguanas community, and who was deeply concerned over her state of mind.

“We’ve made contact with her this afternoon and she spoke at length with our councillor Ronald Heeralal, and we intend to render assistance however best we can. We sympathise with her at this time, and we also understand that some of her relatives have also come forward to help.”

According to sources, up until late yesterday afternoon, Navas was still staying at the Gyaan Jyoti Mandali Temple at Madras Road. She was reported as living in squalid conditions and was spotted roaming the streets of Chaguanas in 2015 after she reportedly had a nervous breakdown.