While the UNC’s Local Government nominee screening begins this afternoon—starting with nominees for South areas—the PNM’s screening begins on Saturday with Sangre Grande and Arima nominees.
This was confirmed by officials of both parties yesterday.
And UNC deputy leader Senator Jearlean John says they will contest all 141 LG seats.
The PNM is also contesting 141 seats. There are currently 139 seats. Two more—in Couva and Mayaro—were added by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), which also changed 22 boundaries.
A bill to facilitate the LG elections within the next three months was passed in the Senate yesterday. This became necessary following the Privy Council’s May 18 judgment deeming as unlawful, Government’s extension LG term last year. The bill also validates the terms of councils up to May 18 and their actions.
The bill was passed in the House of Representatives on Monday and in the Senate yesterday. Following assent and proclamation, it’s expected an election date will be announced soon by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and writs of election will be sent to the EBC. Speculation is on a date between mid-July and August 18.
UNC’s screening early this afternoon will be at the party’s Chaguanas head office. The screening team leader is UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
John said UNC will start with screening south nominees. She said the party had nominees fully in hand for the current 139 seats last December when the LG term was expected to end—and more than enough for the 141 seats.
John said, “We noted heightened response to our nomination call from youths and new faces which can only bode well for T&T’s future.
“We’re going after every corporation with the same diligence and commitment - to retain UNC corporations and remove PNM in others.”
John, who said many new people came forward, was mum on queries about possible accommodation with smaller parties. She said a screening conclusion date isn’t set since screening team members have Parliamentary sittings in between
“This will be a very robust campaign considering that many in T&T are suffering as a result of the PNM’s ‘equal opportunity brutality’,” John added.
PNM screening Saturday in Grande, Arima
The deadline for the PNM’s nominations is tomorrow (Friday), continues over the weekend and into next week. The screening team is headed by PM Rowley.
With party headquarters Balisier House still under construction, the PNM will screen at venues in the 14 corporation areas. Screenings begin at 3 pm and are expected to continue late into the night, party officials added.
On Saturday, screening for Sangre Grande’s eight districts and Arima’s seven districts will be at the Arima Community Centre. On Sunday, screening is for the Tunapuna/Piarco corporation’s 14 areas at the Cascadia hotel in St Ann’s.
PNM general secretary Foster Cummings didn’t answer texted queries on the exercise yesterday.
Apart from many incumbents from each party submitting nominations, changes will be made in key areas by both sides.