PNM to continue screenings in 15 constituencies
Party Officials confirmed that preparations continue in 15 PNM-held constituencies for the December 2 screening of nominees for those areas. All the incumbents have submitted consent letters to party units indicating their willingness to be nominated.
The nominees will be screened in six batches by a team headed by political leader Dr Keith Rowley at Balisier House from 5.30 pm. December 2nd
The 15 areas represent most of the 22 seats held by the PNM. The party selected prospective candidates for the 19 constituencies held by the Opposition in September and prospective candidates have been in the field working since then.
Constituency executives can make recommendations on their choice of candidate but ultimately the decision on candidates is made by the nine-member screening team.
In St Ann’s East, Candidates are:
- incumbent MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly
- telecommunication professional Lyndon Lara
Gadsby-Dolly is so far getting the bulk of party unit support despite competition from telecommunication professional Lyndon Lara, the brother of cricket legend Brian Lara
In San Fernando East candidates are
- incumbent Brian Manning
- Cocoyea/Tarouba councillor Teresa Lynch
A jumpy tune by San Fernando East supporters and party groups promoting Manning is gaining popularity and includes these verses:
“Tell dem—make way ... we moving with Manning, Manning, Manning (S’ando East ... S’ando East”).
Make way for de Manning ... tell dem Manning in S’ando East!”
“I wonder if yuh hear dis, this one is the greatest, they quaking, cuz Brian coming.
They sweating on the sidelines, two Manning in they lifetime.
That’s problems, de votes go kill dem!
Like they never consider the fruit don’t fall far from de father.. leadership in de DNA—Brian Mannig all de way!”
Manning go-ing back, Manning go-ing back ... to represent in de Parliament.
Manning go-ing back, Manning go-ing back—dey better bat in they crease, we moving with Manning in S’ando East.
Tell dem in Cocoyea, (Manning coming) Mon Repos, Pleasantville ... Marabella, Vista Bella—tell dem Manning coming back ...”
Among the 15 areas to be screened, the unopposed incumbents include
- La Horquetta/Talparo’s Foster Cummings
- Arima’s Pennelope Beckles
- San Fernando West, Faris Al-Rawi
- Laventille East/Morvant, Adrian Leonce
- Lopinot/Bon Air West, Marvin Gonzales
- St Joseph, Terrence Deyalsingh
The Laventille West executive hasn’t met yet to decide who they will recommend to the screening team between
- incumbent Fitzgerald Hinds
- attorney Kareem Marcelle
- Dr Kadelle Jessamy
The La Brea executive meets on Saturday to finalise its recommendation. Seeking the candidacy are:
- incumbent Stephen McClashie
- councillor Jillon Lewis
- alderman Christopher Encinas
The majority of support from party groups and the constituency’s women and youth leagues is with Siparia Regional Corporation alderman Christopher Encinas
After the 15 areas are screened, there will only be seven seats left to be finalised:
- the three Diego Martin seats including Dr. Rowley’s Diego Martin West constituency
- the two Port-of-Spain seats, and
- the two Tobago seats.