PNM Tobago leader says: Winnability key to selecting candidates

PNM Tobago Council political leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine says people offering themselves to be candidates for the party in the general or THA elections must be able to win their respective seats.

“The most important thing is winnability,” she told reporters on Tuesday after announcing the names of candidates selected by the party’s screening committee to contest the upcoming THA elections.

“And when I say winnability, the candidate must be able to win the seat. That is the most crucial area.”

The PNM’s Tobago Council screened nominees for the island’s 12 electoral districts on Sunday and Monday at its Pump Mill, Scarborough, campaign headquarters.

Davidson-Celestine, who chairs the eight-member screening committee, announced the results at a news conference on Tuesday.

She said 11 candidates have been selected but the committee is still deliberating over the Canaan/Bon Accord seat, currently held by Secretary for Settlements, Urban Renewal and Public Utilities Clarence Jacob. Dominique Kerr was also screened for that seat.

In selecting candidates, Davidson-Celestine said, apart from winnability, traits and skills sets are also considered “because in most instances you would find that those persons will go on to become secretaries and assistant secretaries of a particular division.”

Davidson-Celestine, who is also the Secretary for Health, Wellness and Family Development, told reporters the screening process was “above board and can stand up to scrutiny.” She thanked the 41 nominees who offered themselves.

“They are very strong and bring quite a lot to the table and they can all represent the values of the PNM in their own right. But at the end of the day, we only need need 12 candidates.” Davidson-Celestine also said the screening process was rigorous.

“So, for all those persons who were not selected, I want to indicate that the PNM will continue to work with all of you.” She said she expects they will be a part of the campaign going forward.

As of Tuesday evening, the political future of Secretary of Settlements, Urban Renewal and Public Utilities Clarence Jacob hung in the balance, as the screening committee was yet to select a candidate for the Canaan/Bon Accord electoral district he represents.

The selected candidates are:

Rory Dillon, Parlatuvier/L’Anse Fourmi/Speyside
Neil Beckles, Roxborough/Delaford
Boxil Bailey, Belle Garden/Goodwood
Joel Jack, Bacolet/Mt St George
Marslyn Melville Jack, Scarborough/Calder Hall
Shomari Hector, Bethel/Mt Irvine
Kwesi Des Vignes, Mason Hall/Moriah/Providence
THA Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis, Buccoo/Mt Pleasant
Melissa Guy James, Plymouth/Golden Lane
Kelvin Morris, Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden
Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Lambeau/Signal Hill.