? The People's National Movement (PNM) San Fernando East constituency executive plans to re-nominate PNM political leader, Prime Minister Patrick Manning to be the candidate for their area in Trinidad and Tobago's next general election. San Fernando East constituency chairman Tina Gronlund-Nunez said yesterday. Gronlund-Nunez re-emphasised the group's confidence in Manning and defended their support for him. She said notice would be given this morning (Monday) to PNM party groups to convene meetings related to the nomination of a candidate to contest the San Fernando East seat for the PNM. Asked whether the constituency remained confident in the Prime Minister to win the seat for the party, Gronlund-Nunez said:
"Oh, yes, of course."
She said the constituency had already moved a motion of full confidence in our Member of Parliament, the Prime Minister and the government not too long ago. "So, therefore, I do not expect any changes from that feeling. That was just not even two weeks ago." Gronlund-Nunez was responding to Manning's instructions for PNM party groups to start the nomination process for candidates to be screened for a general election. Manning indicated during a special PNM convention, last weekend, that the screening process would begin on April 7, and his San Fernando East constituency would be the first area to undergo the process.
"Because an announcement was made yesterday (Saturday), we will have to commence an emergency meeting of all the party groups, because time does not allow (otherwise)," Gronlund-Nunez said. "He (Manning) indicated the screening will begin on the seventh of April, which is right around the corner. So we will have to commence (and) call meetings of party groups." She explained that the PNM process for selecting nominees for a general election fight required the party groups to meet and decide on a possible candidate, who would be presented to the constituency executive. "That is then discussed by the constituency and then the nomination is forwarded to Balisier House. "Notice (will go out) to all party group chairmen to call their meetings (and) most likely that notice will be in the constituency office by tomorrow morning."