[UPDATED] Soca stars bring more heat to PNM rally

THOUSANDS braved scorching conditions to attend the PNM rally at the Eddie Hart Savannah, Tacarigua, on April 26.

Many of this country's premier soca and dancehall stars graced the stage which had the crowd in a frenzy leading up to the general elections on April 28.

Preedy, Erphaan Alves, Benjai, Kernal Roberts, Lady Lava and Peter C Lewis, who has supported PNM for the last few General Elections, were among those who performed.

The rally did not only include supporters from Tacarigua and surrounding areas. A group of people Newsday spoke with made the journey from Princes Town. One woman had a T-shirt saying, "We Rocking with Rocklyn" in support of Princes Town MP Rockyln Mohammed.

"He is a good man. He is a father of four. He is a loving man, " one woman said.

Another man said he likes the Prime Minister's "drive."

From as early as 2 pm, cars and maxi taxis turned up as people anticipated the start of the rally. There was traffic near the ground with the Police trying to keep order.

You could feel the excitement as people waved red flags, while still in their vehicles looking for a parking spot.

It was a sea of red at the outdoor field. The early supporters tried to escape the heat under the tents on the outskirts of the field.

The vendors, especially those selling cold drinks and snowcones, would have enjoyed the sales.

As the afternoon progressed, the party atmosphere made way for speeches, which comprised former UNC Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally, former prime minister Dr Rowley and the Prime Minister.

This story was originally published with the title "Thousands in red at Eddie Hart Savannah" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

THOUSANDS braved scorching conditions to attend the PNM rally at the Eddie Hart Savannah, Tacarigua, on April 26.

It was a sea of red at the outdoor field with most running from the heat under the tents on the outskirts of the field.

The vendors, especially those selling cold drinks and snow cones, would have enjoyed the sales.

From as early as 2 pm, vehicles and maxi taxis turned up as people anticipated the start of the rally.

At 3.20 pm, people were encouraged to come closer to the stage for the pre-show. A few listened, but the majority decided to stay in the cool.

A few PNM members at 3.30 pm were already gathered including Marvin Gonzales, Terrence Deyalsingh, Rohan Sinanan and Kareem Marcelle.