Story by SHASTRI BOODAN
More supporters of Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial are begging for an urgent meeting with leader of the United National Congress (UNC), Kamla Persad-Bissessar, before Nomination Day.
On Sunday, the residents of Temple Street, Bank Village, Carapichaima, staged a placard demonstration calling for the return of Ramdial.
The UNC Screening Committee chose to go with Ravi Ratiram as the new Couva North candidate, rather than having Ramona Ramdial run for the seat once more.
Rajesh Rattan, spokesman for the residents, told Guardian Media that they had attempted last week to deliver a petition to UNC political leader Kamal Persad- Bissessar; however, no one at the UNCs offices at Rampersad Building in San Fernando was prepared to take it. The petition was delivered instead to her residence at Philippine, in South Trinidad.
Rattan said the UNC Leader has always preached the mantra “the voice of the people is the voice of God”, but does not seem to be adhering to that.
“The voice of the people of Couva North has said Couva North want Ramdial to remain as their MP,” he stated. “Representatives throughout the constituency submitted in writing their support for Ramdial return as their MP to the party, along with unanimous support declared by the Couva North Executive and all party groups. The voice of the people was ignored by the screening committee and the people of Couva North are pleading with the committee to reconsider their decision and reinstate Ramdial as the candidate for Couva North.”
At Temple Street, Rafique Backridee said Ramdial had ensured the community got good roads, drains and a pipe-borne supply of water.
His calls were echoed by Nazira Padarath, who said she got a hamper from Ramdial when she was unable to work during the Covid-19 lockdown.