San Fernando East officials are awaiting official response from the party after PNM general secretary Ashton Ford said that nominations including from MP Patrick Manning could be submitted by December 22 and if Manning’s health mitigates against his contesting, he can withdraw if he wishes later on.
Ford said there was an easy solution to the current impasse concerning San Fernando East. This has been simmering between the leadership and San Fernando East executive after the unit was asked to submit nominations for general election candidates by December 22. Manning and his executive are, however, insistent on doing so by January 3 after Manning gets his health assessment and addresses his unit on January 2.
After the last written appeal from S/Fernando East, Ford said there’s a simple solution, adding: “Nominations are open from now to December 22. They can make nominations and we’ll screen anytime after December 22, it doesn’t have to be Christmas, it can be after. “Mr Manning can even be nominated from now if he wishes and if his health doesn’t permit and he doesn’t want to contest, he can simply withdraw the nomination and they can send and get other nominees. It’s not a problem,”
San Fernando East PRO Anthony Clarke said the unit is awaiting official response from the leadership on the issue. But sources close to Manning yesterday rejected Ford’s idea. They said Manning’s health assessment is upcoming and he would speak after that.