Four seek UNC nod for Cumuto/Manzanilla

FOUR nominees sought to become UNC candidates for Cumuto/Manzanilla in the upcoming general election.

These are Senator Damian Lyder, former parliamentary candidate Nabila Greene, project manager Vijay Gosine, and aesthetician Nefertari Kernahan.

The UNC held a screening at its headquarters in Chaguanas for this seat plus the three Diego Martin seats.

Upon arrival, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar hinted to reporters at a further screening to tie up some loose ends.

"We hope to complete the entire process by the end of the month, by Friday (February 28)."

Asked when all results would be presented publicly, she said, "You will get the results as soon as the results are ready."

Later she came out of the building with other national executive members to greet the four nominees as they arrived to a lively tassa beat.

Lyder and Green made a joint entry to the compound with supporters bearing banners, soon joined by Gosyne and Kernahan.

The latter is the daughter of former Senator Jennifer Jones-Kernahan.

Outgoing MP Dr Rai Ragbir had said he would not screen to be reselected as UNC candidate for the seat.

Despite speculation, former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine did not screen for the seat either.

The party also considered candidates for the Diego Martin seats. These included retired teacher Nalini Goindoo for Diego Martin North East, for which the PNM recently reselected incumbent MP Finance Minister Colm Imbert. For Diego Martin Central, the UNC screened Keron Thomas, a pastor.

Later on PEP leader Philip Edward Alexander told Newsday he wished to screen for a Diego Martin seat, but had to discuss which one, so as to get the strongest person in each. The screening began late owing to repeated problems with the building's electrical supply.

When asked about PEP, Persad-Bissessar said, "They are interested. We have been in discussions with them. We will be in discussions with (nominees in) the UNC first who also expressed an interest and we will find a way forward."

Newsday asked if the UNC could be hurt in Cumuto/Manzanilla if Ragbir backed the PNM.

She said, "With or without Rai, we will win Cumuto/Manzanilla. It is a very strong UNC seat."

Persad-Bissessar spoke of a desire for a local candidate, saying past MPs Colin Partap, Christine Hosein and now Ragbir had not lived in the constituency. The UNC last won the seat by 10,901 votes to the PNM's 7,557 in 2020.