PNM seeks candidates for 10 more UNC constituencies

The PNM is one step closer to having its full slate of 41 for the next general election after four more candidates were selected on August 27, but the party isn't stopping there. It is now seeking candidates for ten more UNC-held constituencies, who will have to submit nominations early next month.

Minister of Social Development and Family Service Donna Cox, Shareek Ali and Roger Mohammed were rejected for San Juan/Barataria, as the candidacy was won by Senator Dr Muhammad Yunus Ibrahim.

Senator Renuka Sagramsingh-Sooklal and Senator Richie Sookhai were unopposed for St Augustine and Chaguanas East respectively and were selected, as was Leena Rampersad for Caroni East.

The PNM is still looking for a candidate for Cumuto/ Manzanilla, as nominees La Toya Reyes and Sabitree Singh-Saunders were not selected.

Prospective candidates for the UNC-held constituencies were screened by the PNM executive at Balisier House, Port of Spain, on August 26.

In a WhatsApp message, PNM general secretary Foster Cummings said, “The PNM is pleased to put forward thus far, five high-calibre, quality prospective candidates whose track records of community and national service are as impressive as they are effective.”

The fifth candidate was Mukesh Ramsingh, who, on August 23, beat out Kiran Singh, Kirdell Mc Intosh, Sherwin Joseph and Clyde Rambaran to represent Pointe-a-Pierre.

Cummings added that the PNM had issued a call for nominations for Caroni Central, Chaguanas West, Couva North, Couva South, Naparima, Oropouche East, Oropouche West, Princes Town, Siparia and Tabaquite. The deadline for submissions is September 25 at 4.30 pm.

The constituencies are currently held by UNC MPs Arnold Ram, Dinesh Rambally, Ravi Ratiram, Rudranath Indarsingh, Rodney Charles, Dr Roodal Moonilal, Davendranath Tancoo, Barry Padarath, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Anita Haynes respectively.

Cummings said, “We anticipate that many more distinguished citizens will offer themselves to be of service to their communities and to our country.”

Selected candidate Ibrahim told Newsday he was excited to take the mantle of the PNM to the constituents of Barataria/San Juan. And since the PNM had not won the seat since it was created in 1991, the party groups had to engage the constituents to determine their wishes and the best way forward.

He said the nominees answered the call of the party groups who asked them to put themselves forward and the party’s nomination and screening processes were non-competitive and thorough.

“We don’t put our hats in the ring per se. We go there via the consent of the party groups, then the candidates are weighed by the party executive along with the executive of the constituency as to what is needed for the party for that particular seat.

“So there wasn’t any matter of wishful thinking or hoping. It’s a matter of qualifying to serve the party at that level, in their opinion. And I’m happy to serve.”

At the screening, Sagramsingh-Sooklal said the constituents of St Augustine had to see beyond tribal lines of politics and vote for representation. If they did that, she said the people would get the representation they deserved.

Sookhai said he understood the concerns of the people of Chaguanas East and was willing to work with the PNM to bring about change.