Young, Scotland re-selected

ENERGY Minister Stuart Young was unanimously re-selected as the PNM candidate for Port of Spain North/St Ann's West at a sitting of the constituency executive and PNM central screening committee at Balisier House, Port of Spain on January 27.

Port of Spain mayor Chinua Alleyne, who is that constituency's vice-chairman, earlier told reporters Young had been unanimously nominated by all party groups, including the women and youth leagues.

After his re-selection, Young told reporters, "One thing you can count on – we will always do our best and what is right for the citizens. I love you all!"

He thanked his constituency executive and supporters who came out to support him.

"I am happy to be offered the opportunity once again to serve Trinidad and Tobago."

Young's father, retired banking executive Richard Young, never anticipated his son becoming the next prime minister, he told reporters. He spoke after warmly hugging his son when the latter arrived at Balisier House, to chair the PNM central screening committee examining nominees for four constituencies.

Richard Young told reporters he felt a sense of joy to see his children progressing and doing well. "I think it confirms hard work and dedication really pays off, not only in this but in everything."

Asked if he ever thought his son would be PM, Young replied, "Never."

"I wanted the man to become a top lawyer! Then Dr Rowley called him," he quipped. Asked about any racial slurs against his son, Young said this is not what TT was about.

"We have to rise above those things." Also screened was Cumuto/Manzanilla, Malabar/Mausica (formerly D'Abadie/O'Meara) and Port of Spain South.

Minutes later, Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland emerged from Balisier House, having been successfully re-selected for the Port of Spain South seat.

Scotland's win was announced by his constituency chairman Wayne Griffith. Scotland used the opportunity to invite reporters to the Piccadilly Greens in his constituency this Friday for his first Carnival event. He said this was to disprove media fears about his constituency being "crime-ridden."