Former candidates: UNC still best for TT

FORMER UNC candidates Marsha Walker and Ahloy Hunt on Thursday said they remain committed to the party and believe it remains the best suited to govern TT through its current challenging times.

Walker and Hunt unsuccessfully contested the Diego Martin West and St Joseph seats respectively in the August 10 general election.

Those seats were retained by the Prime Minister and Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh.

Walker said, "I am staying with the UNC. They are still the best option under which to serve in this type of manner."

She said she was not bothered by not being chosen as an opposition senator after the election.

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar chose Wade Mark, Anil Roberts, Jearlean John, David Nakhid, Damian Lyder and Jayanti Lutchmedial as opposition senators.

John and Nakhid lost against the PNM's Foster Cummings and Esmond Forde in La Horquetta/Talparo and Tunapuna respectively on August 10.

"I trust that our political leader had a system whereby opposition senators were chosen. She is a very intelligent woman. So no hard feelings," Walker said. She added that she was staying involved in politics because "once you open your door, politics awaits."

Walker said she will support the party's efforts towards the repatriation of TT nationals stranded overseas owing to the borders being closed to reduce the spread of covid. She also said she will be devoting her time to education and parenting as well.

Walker said she has sent an offer via social media to Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly to discuss ideas to help students deal with challenges caused by schools being closed because of covid19. She said one of her suggestions to Gadsby-Dolly was for consideration to be given for teachers to identify children in need and for social workers to visit those children at their homes.

Walker said MPs could facilitate this exercise if the Education Ministry is unable to do so.

Hunt said he was not disappointed about not being picked as an opposition senator and remains committed to the UNC.

"I will be part of the UNC always."

His post-election plans include being involved in business activities in the retail sector. He added that he is involved in two companies.