As the Electoral College gets set to vote for the country’s seventh President today, residents of Cascade, where People’s National Movement (PNM) nominee Christine Kangaloo lives, are rooting for her to win.
Kangaloo will come up against the United National Congress’ choice, Israel Khan, SC.
“I would be quite happy to see Christine as President. Although she has been associated with the PNM, I get the impression that she would be balanced, fair and would have the country at heart. The main thing is, do we have people who are willing to put country above party, because too many of our politicians obviously put party before country,” said Mon Repos Terrace resident Sylvia Clarke yesterday.
Clarke is one of the longest-residing homeowners in the upscale community and although she does not know Kangaloo personally, they have been neighbours for years.
“I have nothing adverse to say about her as a neighbour. She is quite wonderful.”
Today’s meeting of the Electoral College will be to elect a successor to Paula-Mae Weekes as President.
On Tuesday, Kangaloo, who served as Senate President for seven years, resigned from the position ahead of the election.
Clarke said what would give Kangaloo the edge is her calm demeanour and experience in the chair as acting President.
“She has what it takes,” Clarke insisted.
In the past, Clarke said she had a few issues with “a couple of our Presidents” in carrying out their duties.
“Christine would be very measured,” Clarke said.
Another neighbour said although she has never seen Kangaloo in the flesh, as a woman she would support her.
“I think her chances are good tomorrow (today). She will win,” the neighbour, who opted not to give her name, said.
“I just want her to do right for the people...to see after the needs of the people and do what is best for the country,” she said.
If the votes go in Kangaloo’s favour, the neighbour wondered if she would continue to live in Cascade or reside at President’s House.
With Kangaloo living in the area, the residents feel safer, noting that whenever she acts as President, there is a higher police presence in the community.
The neighbour said late last year, there was a home invasion in the area. Her husband’s vehicle was also stolen from their home.
Should Kangaloo win, however, the neighbour said there would be no celebration or jubilation in Cascade.
“Up here, nah! Up here, no! We would be elated, yes. But not to celebrate.”
The community is tranquil, affluent and under a neighbourhood watch.
Luxurious and beautifully designed houses, including Kangaloo’s, dot the landscape.
Homeowners are only seen driving in and out of their electronic gates.
From his porch overlooking Cascade, former Port-of-Spain mayor Louis Lee Sing can see Kangaloo’s home.
He can also see her security detail and outriders driving up and down Mon Repos Road.
Lee Sing, who resigned from the PNM in 2015, is supporting Kangaloo 100 per cent.
“I think Dr Rowley’s choice in this matter is a good one. I truly believe that if Christine gets the nod tomorrow (today), she will serve this country well and may surprise the nation with how she sets about her job as an independent President,” he said.
“I have had a considered position on the individual and I truly believe that she will be a good President. She is a professional and it is on that basis she would take that professionalism to the Office of the President.”
Noting that Kangaloo may be called upon to make decisions that may not be pleasing to her own party, Lee Sing said he never found Kangaloo to be obnoxious, speak out of turn or make rash decisions.
“I would vote for her and it would have nothing to do with my old affiliations with the PNM.”
He added, “I suspect that the PNM people might be surprised about how she moves.”