PNM: No candidate for Moruga/Tableland yet

The People’s National Movement (PNM) has dismissed rumours that Winston “Gypsy” Peters was chosen as the party’s representative for the upcoming general election for the Moruga/Tableland constituency.

Several posts circulating on social media said Peters was chosen over current MP Dr Lovell Francis, but party PRO Laurel Lezama Lee Sing told Newsday on Wednesday afternoon that the screening committee did not choose a candidate.

She said, “The screening committee made no decision on who would represent the Moruga/Tableland constituency. In fact, we have not met yet or screened anyone for the area.

“As far as I know there has been instructions to widen the pool of nominees for the area.”

She explained that party groups were entitled to choose who they deemed fit to represent them and that Peters name in the public domain as a choice may have come about because of this.

She added that people who said Peters was the chosen representative have been spreading misinformation.

“It is irresponsible to say that Peters was chosen. This is misinformation and people and the media should act more carefully,” she said.

When asked about several posts by Francis on his Facebook page about the matter, Lee Sing said she was unsure why those comments were made.

One post said, “There are those who think it wise to try to kick a man when they think he is down... just remember that even when kneeling I’m still taller than many of you. Stay sharp peeps.”

Lee Sing added that screening for the constituency should be done some time this week.

On Wednesday Newsday visited the constituency and spoke with the people about the issue, most of them upset about the alleged information that Peters could be their next representative.

They agreed that it was unfair that Francis was not chosen for a second term.

Community activist and hairdresser Kizzy Emmanuel said if there is “No Lovell, there is no vote,” a sentiment echoed by many.

She said, “It was unfair that they (PNM) chose Gypsy as the candidate. We are not about party, but about service and Lovell has done a lot for his constituency.

“Roads were fixed, landslides were fixed, houses were built, people got jobs, and an agro-processing plant was opened. This was the first time someone did something for us.”

One woman who wished not to be named said Peters was a reject from another party and does not belong in Moruga/Tableland.

But there were also others who did not defend Peters or Francis as potential representatives.

Matthew Hamilton said, “Regardless of who is in power, we continue to suffer. It may be a good thing they change the representative, but we need help because Francis has done nothing, and he is a disrespectful man.”

Jaipersad Ramnarine added that, “At the end of the day, people will vote based on party, but I hope this time they address our concerns. We continue to face water shortages and poor road conditions.”

Peters said he has no information that he was chosen by the PNM screening committee as the representative.

“I did file my nomination papers and did meet with a screening committee at the constituency level. There has been no meeting with the party’s screening committee at a national level.

“The feedback so far has been positive from the constituents.”

Attempts to contact Francis on the matter were unsuccessful.