PNM Point Fortin MP Paula Gopee-Scoon has withdrawn her nomination to re-contest the seat because the distance to travel the constituency was a problem and she feels constituents should have an MP who lives in the area.
Gopee-Scoon spoke about her withdrawal just before PNM screening started yesterday at the San Fernando East constituency office.
She had received the majority of party group nominations (ten) among other contenders retired Brig Edmund Dillon, Kenwyn Hackshaw, Peter Bharath and Joanne Delicia.
Gopee-Scoon said the decision was her own and though difficult was made in everyone’s best interest.
Saying distance was the primary issue she noted that she lives in Port-of-Spain. She said constituents saw her once or twice weekly and she was effective in her representation in Parliament but felt the people deserved an MP who lived in the area.
“I’ve developed a bond with Point and am emotionally attached to the people as it’s made me what I am so while I hesitated in reaching a decision, it’s in everyone’s interest.
“I joined PNM in 2002 and continues to support the party. I still feel there’s a place for me in politics but I’m not attached to high office,”
Asked if she would take the candidate around, she said she supported whoever was chosen and was sure they would have a campaign manager and election strategy which she would support.
— with reporting by Yvonne Webb