Jennings-Smith backs Dillon

OUTGOING Toco/Sangre Grande MP Glenda Jennings Smith is endorsing former TT fast bowler Mervyn Dillon as the PNM’s candidate for the constituency.

Jennings-Smith expressed her support for Dillon on Facebook, after initially claiming that someone planned a conspiracy to remove her as MP. In a post on her Facebook page on Saturday, Jennings-Smith said, “I take this opportunity to extend best wishes to Mr Mervyn Dillon, the selected PNM candidate for Toco Sangre Grande in the upcoming General Election 2020.” Her post was accompanied by a photo of Dillon and herself during the 2015 general election campaign.

“Jennings-Smith continued, “I, along with my family stand ready in full support of our candidate. As you can see, he supported me in 2015 and now it’s our turn to support him. One love. PNM style.”

On Saturday, Dillon, a former West Indies and national cricketer, rejected rumours that he stepped down as the candidate after PNM Toco/Sangre Grande executives objected to his selection. Dillon said, “That is not true. I have not withdrawn my candidacy.”

PNM general secretary Foster Cummings said it is “not unusual” for party members to disagree about the selection of candidates. He said seven nominees were screened for Toco/Sangre Grande. Cummings said some people got their picks while others did not. He said the PNM is addressing these concerns and ensuring “the best decision is made.”

PNM public relations officer Laurel Lezama Lee Sing said Dillon’s candidacy is currently being reviewed by the screening committee. On La Brea, Lee Sing said a call was made for additional nominees to be screened. Neither incumbent MP Nicole Olivierre nor former public utilities minister Robert Le Hunte, the only nominees for La Brea, were chosen by the committee last week. Le Hunte resigned as minister earlier this month because of difference of opinion on policy positions. He is also PNM vice chairman.

Cummings and Lee Sing also said there is no information which suggests that Fuad Abu Bakr is a PNM member. Cummings said while it is possible that party groups can nominate someone who is not a PNM member, that person is expected to apply for membership once chosen. Lee Sing said Abu Bakr has not been screened for any constituency.

Former Sangre Grande Regional Corporation chairman Terry Rondon appealed to PNM supporters in Toco/Sangre Grande to rally behind Dillon. Rondon said, “I am a team player. Whoever the party picks, I will work with that person.”

He believed that as a Toco resident, Dillon had a lot to offer Toco/Sangre Grande. Rondon also disclosed that he promised Dillon he would work with him and Dillon’s family were amongst his biggest supporters.

Cummings, who is also PNM La Horquetta/Talparo candidate, was confident he could win this seat. He praised the work done in the constituency by outgoing MP Maxie Cuffie over the last five years. Cummings identified boosting agriculture in places like Wallerfield and Brazil and improving infrastructure in the rural parts of the constituency amongst his objectives.

PNM Point Fortin candidate Kennedy Richards Jr said outgoing MP Edmund Dillon is supporting his candidacy. As a constituency, Richards Jr said he wanted to build on Dillon’s efforts to provide better amenities for Point Fortin and make the constituency more service-oriented. As the incumbent mayor and a councillor for ten years, Richards Jr said being an MP allowed him to be “councillor for a wider area.”

Political analyst Dr Winford James did not see discontent over candidate selection, adversely affecting the PNM’s electoral chances. “At the end of the day, they close ranks.” He said in the case of the PNM and the UNC, the success of their candidates is based on the strength of the party.

James said the screening committees choose the candidates that political parties feel can win particular constituencies. He added it is difficult for anyone to determine the right candidate for any constituency.