Diego Martin Central incumbent Dr Amery Browne failed to impress any of the 18 members of the People's National Movement (PNM) screening committee at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain, on Thursday night.
Browne, who has been MP for the area since 2007, received no votes from the committee.
The T&T Guardian was informed yesterday that the committee deliberated and "agonised" over re-appointing Browne for over three hours before ultimately deciding against him.
However, the committee also remained largely unimpressed by the other potential candidates, as Diego Martin Regional Corporation chairman Darryl Smith topped the selection list but could only muster two votes. Newcomer Jinelle Schulere meanwhile received one vote, as did former Public Transport Services Corporation (PTSC) chief executive officer Edison Isaac.
The Diego Martin council now has until April 13 to put forward new candidates to be screened.
But despite receiving no votes from the screening committee, the T&T Guardian was told yesterday that "the door was still open" to Browne to be re-screened for the post.
"We have not written off Dr Browne," one senior PNM member said yesterday in an brief telephone interview.
The senior member said several executives had campaigned for Browne during the screening process.
"How could the incumbent get no votes?" the senior member asked.
Despite the lack of votes, Browne himself yesterday said he intends to return before the screening committee after April 13. He said he respected the "interim" position of the committee and hoped "that ultimately the best decision will be made."
"My life has been one of service to the less-fortunate since long before I entered politics, and my commitment and sense of duty to my constituents and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago remain as strong and binding today as ever before," he said.
Despite the setback, Browne said he was still very committed to the party.
"Diego Martin Central remains critical to the fortunes of the People's National Movement in this coming election and I am committed to playing a role in ensuring our success," he said.
"I persist in the conviction that decency, fairness and integrity must ultimately prevail over the negativity that endeavors to surround us. I will always love my country, and my adherence to the principles upon which the PNM was founded cannot be shaken based on any apparent setback."
ALWAYS ON CARDS
In December last year, the Sunday Guardian reported that Browne's seat was up for grabs. In that article, it was reported that "Browne may not be retained when screening for his seat comes up." The article noted that there were several constituents unhappy with his representation.
While preparing to be screened again, Browne refused to comment on whether he was the victim of politics within the party.
Asked whether the lack of screening committee votes was a result of political victimisation, Browne promised a response later on.
"Further comments in the near future," he said.
But he remains confident that whatever happens will be in his best interest.
"True service is a reward in itself, and I remain deeply grateful for the privilege of service to this nation. I thank my constituents for their continuing love and support," Browne said.