Padarath willing to step aside if he fails return for election

PRINCES TOWN MP Barry Padarath said he was prepared to sacrifice his personal political ambitions to ensure the Opposition wins the next election.

He was reacting to the announcement made by the Prime Minister on Friday that general election will be held on August 10.

Padarath is in Florida and left the country the day before the borders were closed on March 23 in light of the covid19 pandemic. He has applied for an exemption to return and has been screened as the candidate to contest the Princes Town seat for the UNC once more.

"If I am not back in time or if I am not selected, I continue to throw my full support behind my leader and my party," Padarath told Newsday.

Dr Rowley also announced that July 17 is Nomination Day.

Padarath said he still finalising arrangements for him and his daughter Sejal to return home. His daughter is a US citizen and lives in Florida.

On June 16, National Security Minister Stuart Young said Padarath and his daughter had been granted an exemption to come to TT. Padarath confirmed that he agreed to a proposal by Young for him and his daughter to be quarantined at a hotel being used for state supervised quarantine for covid19 for 14 days. Padarath also confirmed that he would pay for his quarantine.

Padarath was screened virtually from Florida on June 19. After the announcement of the election date, Opposition leader Persad-Bissessar said the UNC would announce its remaining election candidates on Sunday. The UNC has publicly announced 17 candidates to date although the party said it had completed its screening process two weeks ago.