PNM chairman: Look for bigger protest than 70s

Today’s march by trade unionists, the Opposition PNM and other groups will be the biggest crowd seen since the 1970s, says PNM chairman Franklin Khan. He said yesterday all MPs and PNM units had been mobilised to take part in what he said was a “national front effort.”

He added: “It’s not a PNM march per se, although the PNM and MSJ are participating. It’s more apolitical. But we are supporting this coalition that is standing up for T&T’s democracy. “Some PNM units from distant areas are coming, via hired maxi taxis, and also among our presence will be members of our executive elected last Sunday.

“We are joining this coalition effort to send Government a signal on all the issues of concern so large numbers are expected today.” Neil Wilson of Tobago PNM’s unit said hundreds of Tobagonians were coming. New PNM lady vice chairman Pennelope Beckles said the Women’s League was going to mobilise female members to join the march.

MSJ leader David Abdulah, whose group has been  lobbying throughout T&T to heighten MSJ’s profile, also said the march would be very large. Yesterday Abdulah spoke about the MSJ’s position on the upcoming THA elections, saying the party had not decided on it.

 “We will announce our decision on this at our upcoming congress and whatever decision that we take will be cognisant of the fact that Tobago is a special situation and that MSJ respects the right of Tobagonians to determine their future. So whatever decision we take will be guided by our commitment to that principle,” he said.

Former COP vice chairman Vernon de Lima said he would be present at the starting point of the march at  Woodford Square but could not participate in the entire march since he had a 3 pm High Court appointment.