Nakhid: PNM strongholds have worst schools, most poverty

FORMER national footballer and United National Congress (UNC) candidate for Tunapuna David Nakhid says the worst-performing schools were in People's National Movement (PNM) stronghold constituencies.

He was speaking on Thursday night in the UNC On the Ballot virtual campaign.

He said for 43 of the 58 years since the country's independence the PNM has governed and has had representation in "the most under-served, under-resourced and poverty-stricken communities in the nation."

He also said the worst-performing schools were in areas considered PNM strongholds, leading to the highest rates of unemployment, crime and poverty.

Nakhid said in ten days of walking the Tunapuna constituency he has recorded 15 major areas of neglect: massive unemployment; inadequate water supply (despite the Caura River and the St Joseph River); poor garbage collection with more than 57 unattended and "putrid sites"; crime; and the "dread traffic."

He reported his plans included turning Tunapuna into the health industrial hub of the Caribbean by reviving and expanding the Academy of Nursing. He also said traffic relief was planned by having one-way traffic during peak hours and constructing a bridge in the Five Rivers area.

He reported that 35 major potholes have been found in the constituency and these "swimming pools" will be filled and graded. He has already delivered two community water tanks, he announced.

On the garbage sites Nakhid said his team has rebuiltone and by next week they will clean 20.

He said proposals will be sent to the "never present" Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation and MP Esmond Forde about proper garbage collection.

"Esmond, pick up the phone and call (the Prime Minister), like we do in the UNC."

Nakhid also spoke of being chosen as a candidate for the UNC.

"As a former player and captain of our national team, and a man who has been involved in political and social activism internationally, I have been in the public eye most of my life. Although some of my struggles (for) social, economic and racial equality have been controversial, my integrity and intentions remain unquestionable."

He said it was no longer about an Indo party or an African party, but his selection, as a young, "diverse" candidate showed the UNC has a serious intent to transform the country.