By Joan Rampersad Thursday, October 22 2009

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Keith Diaz...

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THIRTY-TWO names were submitted for the nine posts up for grabs at Pan Trinbago elections on Sunday. Nominations closed on October 10, and the 32 names were submitted.

“Pan Trinbago’s attorney has instructed that the secretary publish the nominations,” said Richard Forteau, the incumbent secretary of the pan body. “There is going to be a returning officer from the Elections and Boundaries Commission and that officer will be guided by the constitution of Pan Trinbago.”

There have been queries on the filing of some of the papers, but Forteau said he was unaware of this. Newsday understands that some of the nominations may be in breach of Pan Trinbago’s constitution. Newsday also learnt that all nominations of current president Patrick Arnold were objected to, but because he was nominated and seconded by six persons from various bands, five of which are in the Port-of-Spain area, his name had to appear in the list of nominees.

Arnold told Newsday once there are nominations for him to contest the presidency, he will go up for election.

There is intense lobbying in the pan fraternity and this year’s election is expected to be the most keenly contested polls in recent years.

Pan Trinbago’s Triennial Convention takes place at the East Mucurapo Secondary School, 1 Mucurapo Road, Mucurapo, on Sunday, at 10 am.

The main item on the agenda is the election of officers to the central executive of the pan body for 2009 - 2012.

Two delegates from each band, once they are in good financial standing, are eligible to vote. Arnold will go up against Keith Diaz, of Witco Desperadoes, and Byron Serrette, of Brimblers, for the position of president.

Contesting the position of vice-president are out-going assistant secretary Peter Kanhai, Keron Valentine (Playboyz), Geoffrey Joseph (New Generation) and Byron Serrette.

Richard Forteau is once again nominated for the position of secretary, along with out-going education officer Denise Hernandez and Julie Williams (Exodus).

Five nominees are listed for the assistant secretary post. They are Peter Kanhai, Keith St Cyr, Beverly Ramsey-Moore (Katzenjammers), John Harris (Power Stars) and Withfield Weekes, out- going regional chairman - South.

Denise Hernandez and Withfield Weekes are also contesting the education officer position.

The public relations officer post has three nominees. They are the current PRO Michael Joseph, Sean Nero (BPTT Renegades) and Trevor Reid (CLICO Sforzata).

Keith St Cyr, Neville John (Arima Angel Harps) and Selwyn Paul (Parry’s Pan School) have been nominated for the external relations officer position, while contesting the post of treasurer are the incumbent Anthony Mc Quilkin, Andrew Salvador and Vernon Morancie.

Six members have been put forward to contest for trustee.

They are current trustees Allan Augustus, Andrew Salvador and Alphion Bryon, along with Clifford Alfred (Xpress 21), Fitzroy Henry (Hummingbird Pan Groove) and Keith Simpson (Tripolians).