[UPDATED] Scotland chosen as PNM PoS South candidate

ATTORNEY Keith Scotland was chosen as  prospective candidate for Port of Spain South on Thursday night at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain, the PNM's 41st and final contender for the upcoming general election.

He opted to not comment to Newsday, saying the process must unfold for itself.

For two hours the screening committee mulled six nominees.

At 7.40 pm, PNM general secretary Foster Cummings told Newsday Scotland was their choice.

“We think he will be a good leader for the constituency. He is experienced as a lawyer and works in the Port of Spain area.”

Lady vice chairman Camille Robinson-Regis said, “Mr Scotland screened exceedingly well. He was far and above the best nominee, and we were very pleased to choose him in conjunction with the constituency.”

Earlier PNM constituency chairman alderman Wendell Stephens hailed Scotland’s legal acumen. He told Newsday, “He is a prominent attorney. He does a lot of work with the less fortunate in the society. We think he will fit in well as a replacement for the MP."

Cummings could not tell Newsday when the election date will be revealed, but said the full slate now made the party election-ready.

“Our candidates are all out in the field and we will be victorious whenever the Prime Minister calls it.” Robinson-Regis added, “We do not have back pockets, only the Prime Minister has.”

She did not think recent protests would harm the PNM electorally.

“The Prime Minister was very clear in what he said today in how we are moving forward. As usual the PNM is ready and up to any challenge.”

PNM vice chairman Robert Le Hunte, who quit as public utilities minister, said he was keen to do the party’s work and serve. “I’m comfortable doing the work without the office.”

Also screened were Port of Spain deputy mayor Hillan Morean, Children's Authority director Nichola Harvey-Mitchell, management consultant Cherylann Reyes, former PoS councillor Kent Taylor and councillor Aba Kamau.

Taylor, 80, told Newsday, “They asked me why I stay so long to offer myself.”

Morean said, “Whatever happens, I’m still here to serve. We have an election to win.”

In May, Olympic shot-put finalist Cleopatra Borel was first choice to replace incumbent MP Marlene McDonald until ruled out by her US citizenship.

This story was originally published with the title "Scotland favourite as PNM PoS South candidate" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

ATTORNEY Keith Scotland on Thursday morning confirmed he would indeed be at Queen's Hall later when the PNM screening committee would try again to select a prospective candidate for the Port of Spain South seat in the upcoming general election.

“I’ll be there,” he told Newsday.

Also nominated were Port of Spain deputy mayor Hillan Morean, Children's Authority director Nichola Harvey-Mitchell, management consultant Cherylann Reyes, former PoS councillor Kent Taylor and councillor Aba Kamau.

PNM constituency chairman alderman Wendell Stephens told Newsday that once any party group nominates someone, the constituency executive will let them go ahead for screening.

He revealed that Scotland had got the majority of support among constituency party groups.

Asked what they liked about Scotland, Stephens said, “His legal acumen, of course. He is a prominent attorney.

“He does a lot of work with the less fortunate in the society. We think he will fit in well as a replacement for the MP.”

Stephens said did not know if Scotland has good political acumen on top of his fine legal mind, but added, “Time will tell.”

With incumbent MP Marlene McDonald bowing out, the screening committee on May 28 had selected Olympic shot-put finalist Cleopatra Borel, but she was then found to have acquired US citizenship, rendering her ineligible unless it is renounced in time for the general election.

Also turning up to that day’s event was New National Vision (NNV) leader Fuad Abu Bakr, but the screening committee refused to screen him as he had not been properly nominated by any party group.