Rondon hopeful for Toco/Sangre Grande nod

Former Sangre Grande Regional Corporation chairman Terry Rondon said he is hopeful of being chosen to represent the People's National Movement (PNM) as the candidate for the Toco/Sangre Grande seat.

He was speaking with the media Sunday night following his screening at Queen's Hall, Port of Spain.

"I am happy to come serve the people at a higher level if I get this. That is why I have thrown my hat in the ring because 24-and-a-half years I have been serving the people at a local level and I just felt that at this time I could do much more for the people at this level. I am hoping to get through."

Rondon said that if he was not picked he was "still a PNM".

"Whoever they pick I will come out to work just as hard or even harder with no ill feelings against anybody. Most importantly (we will be) gelling, holding hands and walk. You can’t win no election with division. Not at all."

He continued: "Oh how I love people and I am always there for the people."

In the local government election last December the PNM lost the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation to the UNC. Asked if the results of that election was a message from the residents of the area Rondon replied: “Even though it’s a message my duty is to try my best and see that we get back the vote. And I am going to do it. We have work to do and I’m going to do it."

Rondon, councillor for Toco/Fishing Pond, told Newsday this was his first time being screened for the general election.

Former West Indies fast bowler Mervyn Dillon was initially given the nod for the Toco/Sangre Grande seat. Incumbent MP Glenda Jennings-Smith, who reportedly accused Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan of attempting to undermine her, had expressed support for Dillon. But then the constituency executive was asked to widen the pool of nominees.

Also being screened for Toco/Sangre Grande seat Sunday was schoolteacher Anderson Zoe and Justin de Freitas.

On Sunday there were also screenings for Arima and Lopinot/Bon Air West. Incumbent Arima MP Anthony Garcia arrived to be screened but told the media he could not speak until after the screening. Also being screened was Arima dentist Dr Hillary Bernard.

Newsday received information that former Arima MP Pennelope Beckles-Robinson was screened virtually on Sunday but this could not be confirmed up to news time. Beckles-Robinson received an exemption as an ambassador to return to this country and is under two weeks quarantine.

Attorney Marvin Gonzales was screened on Sunday for the Lopinot/Bon Air West seat. PNM PRO Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing was previously screened for this seat but she was put on hold. PNM general secretary Foster Cummings had told Newsday the constituency was looking for additional nominees.

After the screening on Saturday PNM officials announced businessman Bunny Mahabirsingh and attorney Randy Sinanan as its candidates for Mayaro and Naparima respectively. But the party was unable to select a candidate for its stronghold constituency of La Brea, where former minister Robert Le Hunte has been a contender.