Gail Alexander
There are unofficial reports from within the PNM that Winston “Gypsy” Peters has “gotten through” for the Moruga/Tableland constituency. However, the official announcement is expected on that and other nominations soon.
Meanwhile, former minister Robert Le Hunte will be screened for the La Brea seat next week.
Peters was screened by PNM for Moruga/Tableland on Thursday.
In that day’s screening of other constituencies, retired police inspector Michael Seales was among two others screened for Couva North.
Yesterday Peters, Moruga’s sole nominee, said, “I’m hopeful...“
He’s expected to be in Moruga today. Peters was recommended by Moruga’s executive after PNM’s screening team vetoed five other previous nominees including incumbent Lovell Francis.
While word‘s still ahead on where Seales may be placed, Couva North or elsewhere, Guardian Media understands attorney Solange de Souza was successful in getting the Fyzabad seat. A Fyzabad nominee is also being shifted to Siparia.
PNM general secretary Foster Cumming said last night that the decision hadn’t been finalised regarding Thursday’s exercises, but one would be announced soon.
Meanwhile, former Minister Le Hunte was formally recommended yesterday to the PNM as La Brea’s nominee. La Brea’s executive sent the results of this week’s party group and executive voting to Balisier House.
Officials said this showed La Brea-born Le Hunte received support from 13 of the 16 party groups and 20 executive votes. Incumbent Nicole Ollivierre received three-party group votes and two executive votes. La Brea officials said results showed Le Hunte got the majority of support and had the constituency’s backing.
Ollivierre didn’t answer calls. Le Hunte said he’s happy “for the overwhelming support”.
On his candidacy chances after the Prime Minister accepted his resignation - which concerned a plan for 24-hour water in T&T - Le Hunte said resignation and nomination were two separate issues, “I continue to be PNM and want to serve and unite La Brea. My resignation was offered based on a principled position. I have no problem with the Prime minister or PNM,” he said.
Nigel de Freitas tipped for Diego Martin Central
Diego Martin Central officials said Senate vice-president Nigel de Freitas who got the majority of party group and executive support was recommended out of the four nominees who sought the nomination.
That seat is currently occupied by the PNM's Darryl Smith.
De Freitas got support from 13 executive members and the majority of party groups.
Diego Martin Corporation Chairman Simon de Nobrega got eight executive votes and Terrence Seebaran and Michelle Benjamin of Diego Martin, one each.
Arima officials said eight party groups nominated incumbent Anthony Garcia. Former MP Penny Beckles-Robinson got six nominations and Dr Hillary Bernard, two.
Toco Sangre Grande's six nominees were submitted to Balisier House yesterday. Nominees are MP Glenda Jennings-Smith, alderman Roger Munroe, cricket star Mervyn Dillon, retired officer David Guy, attorney Lorraine Heath and pastor Courtney Francois.
Port-of-Spain South chairman Wendell Stephens is seeking the nomination for that constituency.
Other names heard are sportswoman Cleopatra Borrel. PNM officials projected a “significant“ name to replace outgoing MP Marlene McDonald who’s on corruption charges.
Tobago East nominees are incumbent Ayanna Webster-Roy, training specialist Juliette Hope, environmental officer Crystal Edwards, veterinarian Dr Kern Johnson, teacher Brian Nurse.
Tobago West nominees are incumbent Shamfa Cudjoe, pilot Lyndon Victor.
Lopinot Bon Air nominees vying to replace outgoing MP Cherrie Ann Crichlow Cockburn were expected to include former PNM senator Alisha Romano, Alicia Hospedales, a constituency official and a former councillor.
D’Abadie O’Meara’s nominees are MP Ancil Antoine and Avelene Scott. Mayaro nominees were Antonio Ross and Bunny Mahabirsingh. PNM’s final screenings are next Tuesday and Thursday.