When the election bell is finally rung, this week will be remembered as the launch pad of the major players in their bid for certain political turf which will make the difference between victory and loss at the polls. That the general election is drawing nearer has also been reinforced by People’s Partnership (PP) House Leader Roodal Moonilal’s announcement in Parliament last Friday that tomorrow’s Lower House session will debate an Elections and Boundaries Commission order. This involves several boundary changes.
The order is expected to outline changes to some constituency boundaries in southern seats, Oropouche and surrounding San Fernando areas, and in Diego Martin and Port-of-Spain. In synch with expected changes, politicos from all sides hit the ground this week in outreach mode. The United National Congress (UNC) utilised resumption of its Monday Night forums to begin its lobby in La Horquetta/Talparo for the East-West Corridor—key for any party in capturing government—and especially so for the south/central-based UNC.
The sizeable crowd in Brazil Village heard Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar prime up for the polls, defending her Government from detractors, detailing PP achievements and dumping an attack on PNM leader Dr Keith Rowley. While the logo on PP shirts was “Stronger than Ever,” speakers, including PP MP Jairam Seemungal and Roodal Moonilal, telegraphed the need for effort, saying the upcoming election was one of the UNC’s biggest challenges and an organised effort was needed.
“Get in your section,” Moonilal urged, taking stabs (indirect) at Rowley’s South Carnival and (direct) stabs at Jack Warner. “Neemakharam...” Moonilal declared. The meeting introduced to the platform Sports Minister Brent Sancho, heightening speculation he is being prepped for candidacy. Sancho has warned that he played to win, “and I don’t intend to change that now.” On Tuesday, the COP’s constituency outreach drive, on leader Prakash Ramadhar’s turf, promoted its bid to bring members “back home” and shake off the stigma of political rigor mortis.
“No death certificate for COP,” leader Prakash Ramadhar said at the St Augustine Girls’ High School on Tuesday night. “Get focused T&T” is COP’s current theme. The appeal for returnees was particularly directed at the most recent departures of last week, now bidding to become another political outfit of sorts and influence the election’s outcome. Any bitterness over the loss of members was tempered, however, in statements emphasising an open-door policy.
COP chairman Jamison Bahadur, saying detractors, “especially in the west,” were out to mash up COP and return the PNM, warned against vote splitting. Chairs at the St Augustine Girls’ High School hall venue were full at the start, with people drifting in and out during the meeting. Members came from various constituencies.
The air of excitement was assisted by the tempo and lyrics of 2015 calypsoes and energetic presentations by speakers. Attendees included a couple who had walked out of COP’s council meeting recently, though they maintained stern countenance as officials spoke. Chairman Indra Maharaj said COP’s secretariat confirmed the party obtained 100 new members since last Sunday and 13 that night. Political guns on the PNM squarely targeted leader Keith Rowley.
“What has Keith Rowley done to deserve the consideration of any of the 150,000 (COP members) to give him leadership of T&T?” asked PP’s Bhoe Tewarie. “Nothing,” the crowd replied. The PNM got its turn to reply to the UNC/COP at last night’s launch of PNM’s San Fernando West campaign in Marabella, both areas key to aiding a PNM victory, particularly in the South, considered PP heartland.
San Fernando West campaign manager Terrence Beepath said PNMites planned a big debut of Sando West candidate Faris Al-Rawi with a parade of supporters walking along the Marabella trainline to the meeting venue at the Marabella Friendly Society lodge. The meeting was scheduled to feature Pointe-a-Pierre candidate Neil Mohammed, Mayaro contender Clarence Rambharath, Oropouche East’s Terry Jadoonanan and introduce San Fernando East contender Randall Mitchell.