Three new nominees for the Diego Martin Central constituency of the People’s National Movement (PNM) appeared before the party's screening committee last night, each one hoping to be approved to replace incumbent MP Dr Amery Browne in this year’s general elections. Party insiders said Browne could not be screened again as he was among four candidates who were rejected on April 2. Browne was not at Balisier House last evening.
The new nominees were Roger Watts, a panman; Shari Reynald, a human resource professional and Christian Chandler, an attorney. Earlier, however, the Chaguanas East executive was given two more weeks to find suitable candidates after six previous candidates were again rejected. The six nominees had been screened previously when Opposition Senator Diane Baldeo-Chadeesingh was chosen ahead of them. But Chadeesingh subsequently withdrew her candidacy for personal reasons.
The nominees again rejected last night were councillor Ronald Heera, Nal Ramsingh, Deowatie Lalchan, Clyde Supersad, Harvey Koylass and Kellam Kowlessar.
Five candidates - Dahalia Ditzen, Hashim Al-Mujaahid, Kimberly Small, Lorne Sandy and Tennille Alonzo - were also screened for Barataria/San Juan and after the interviews ended they were told to hold on, as more background checks had to me made on them, sources said. It is not expected that a decision will be taken on this constituency for the next few days, party sources said.
Party leader Dr Keith Rowley presided over the screening exercise last night. Secretary Ashton Ford did not make any announcements to the media up to newstime last night.