PNM’s choice for Toco/Grande runs into protest

INDRA SINANAN OJAH-MAHARAJ received an unceremonious entry into politics yesterday after a group of protesters vociferously called for her removal as the People’s National Movement (PNM) candidate for the newly-created Toco/Sangre Grande constituency.

The PNM’s screening committee headed by Prime Minister Patrick Manning has given the Sangre Grande businesswoman the nod to contest the seat in the November 5 general election.

She replaces outgoing Toco/Manzanilla MP and Sports Minister Roger Boynes as the prospective representative for the area.

Ojah-Maharaj’s baptisim of fire came during the commissioning of the new Sangre Grande branch of the Agricultural Development Bank, which is located on the Eastern Main Road.

The protesters had planned to confront Manning about the choice of candidate.

Manning, however, was at Balisier House yesterday for the screening of candidates from the controversial Tunapuna, Laventille East and Point Fortin seats.

His remarks were delivered by Labour Minister Danny Montano.

News of Manning’s absence angered the small group, who had to be kept at bay by several police officers.

“We don’t want that woman for Toco/Sangre Grande,” one woman shouted.

“Is Anil Juteram we want. We don’t want no woman here. We want a man.”

Another protester Rolf Minors insisted that Ojah-Maharaj was not the people’s choice.

“We have seven councillors in the corporation,” he said.

“Everywhere the people try to walk with this woman she have no interest in the councillors.”

Minors claimed Ojah-Maharaj had not even tried to forge a relationship with the Toco/Sangre Grande executive.

The group, which claimed to be representing the majority of people in the constituency, also threatened to vote for the Congress of the People candidate, veterinarian Dr Lena Brereton Wolffe, if their calls were not heeded.

Ojah-Maharaj shaken

Ojah-Maharaj, who appeared shaken by the incident, offered no comment to reporters when approached after the function.

Boynes: We’ll meet activists today

Toco/Manzanilla incumbent MP Roger Boynes said constituency executives were expected to meet with Sangre Grande activists today to resolve issues relating to the PNM’s choice of candidate for the area.

“We would be bringing everyone together and at the end of the day we would all be working collectively to ensure that this seat remains in the hands of the PNM,” Boynes told reporters after the commissioning of the ADB’s office.