PNM PRO: Fuad Abu Bakr will not be screened

New National Vision (NNV) political leader, Fuad Abu Bakr, on Thursday told the media that he would be screened by the People's National Movement (PNM) to contest the Port of Spain South seat in the general election. But in a rapid response, PNM PRO Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing put out a release saying the party has received no nomination for Abu Bakr and he was not scheduled to be screened by the screening committee.

Lezama-Lee Sing told Newsday in a telephone interview that the deadline date was May 22 and Abu Bakr's name was not on the list of nominees. She added, the only people who can be screened are those whose names have been put forward by the constituency screening committee.

"If he was interested, we called nominations a while ago and the deadline has passed and we have no nomination for Mr Abu Bakr."

Abu Bakr, however, told Newsday that he had no knowledge of what was stated in the release.

"Everything is in order as far as I know."

He said that he took the initiative to approach the PNM to be screened. He explained that he has been working in the political field for quite some time and was a young, vibrant person.

"The PNM seems to want to push those people into positions of leadership."

He pointed out that media personality and new senator Jason Williams has gone forward and has been screened for the Barataria/San Juan constituency.

Asked why he chose Port of Spain South, Abu Bakr said he has worked in the area for quite some time. He said the constituency has some interesting challenges including underdevelopment, underemployment and hopelessness, but there are many positives including the young people.

"I believe in the people of TT, the urban black youth."

He said the young people seeing another young black man representing them would be an inspiration.

Asked about the NNV, which has contested both general and local government elections, he said the party will continue to exist but he would have to relinquish his party affiliations. He said the other members of the party understand the move that he has made and many would be active in his campaign, if successful.

The incumbent MP for Port of Spain South is Marlene McDonald who lost her portfolio as public administration minister after she was charged with corruption in a matter that is still before the court.