PNM Port-of-Spain North candidate Stuart Young wasn’t impressed.
In fact, none of the Balisier Brigade gathered in Woodford Square yesterday was impressed with the UNC’s recent announcement of candidates for key seats. They voiced it. They steupsed at it. They grimaced at it.
Young, putting it more eloquently, raised a particular point about one UNC candidate—Raziah Ahmed, chosen for the key marginal of San Fernando West.
“There is a constitutional issue there: she’s a senator, Senate President and has acted as president also, so she can’t file nomination papers on Monday to contest the election contest unless she resigns. She has to resign if she wants to contest,” Young, an attorney pointed out.
PNM Tunapuna campaign manager Roland Baptiste has also taken the measure of the UNC’s candidate for that seat, economist Wayne Munroe. Baptiste’s thoughts on Munroe as a challenger were as follows: “We’re taking everyone seriously. Tunapuna is a tight seat. We’re fighting everyone. He’s an intelligent man, I know him from UWI, (and) we’ll fight him hard.”
D’Abadie/O’Meara campaign manager George Hadeed said: “The UNC’s candidates aren’t impressive, so I want to thank them particularly for their D’Abadie/O’Meara candidate (Patricia Metivier). The ground is with the PNM this time. In 2010, you didn’t get that feeling of full support. This time we’re getting it and also getting non-traditional support.”
But such issues weren’t exactly front and centre with the PNM crowd yesterday.
They’d turned out to see the party’s presentation of its 41 candidates and enjoy a pep rally for the intensified three-week campaign ahead. Balisier and big flags blazed in the Saturday afternoon sunshine and PNM spirits soared with the temperatures.
The view from the platform on which PNM officials sat would have been satisfying. A sea of red rippled in a tightly-clustered mass directly in front of the stage on its east side and to the west, spreading in waves outward towards the square’s middle and further corners; all amply conveyed by the PNM’s boom camera coverage on the tightly-crowded sections.
PNM chairman Franklin Khan echoed the hierarchy’s opinion: “When I look at the thousands here I know the Red Army is ready!”
“What a magnificent crowd,” the PNM’s Christine Kangaloo added.
Maxi taxis and lines of other vehicles which had transported members were parked around the Woodford Square block and adjoining streets. From them had come streams of people earlier in the morning for the PNM’s Special Council which preceded the rally. After noon, the flows increased as contingents from out of town arrived. Older folks. Many middle-aged. Similarly, youths. Kids.
The traditional type of PNM support hasn’t changed. The party’s base, judging from yesterday’s event, remains the same—predominantly Afro T&T-based. PNM’s Arima following yesterday featured a number of Chinese faces which caused some members to stare.
Its San Fernando West contingent also showed candidate Faris Al-Rawi has made inroads into some Embacadere and Marabella Trainline pockets.
La Horquetta/Talparo candidate Maxie Cuffie’s supporters demonstrated they like Really Big things (as in b-i-g flags.)
Among groups towards the western side of the square stood former MP Penny Beckles, her husband Dr Paul Mark, and others. Two women wearing “Rowley—Diego Martin West” T-shirts grabbed Beckles in tight hugs. St Joseph candidate Terrence Deyalsingh, among them, showed his prowess as a tassa drummer. Whipping up tempo was a hit parade of PNM theme songs.
Delamo’s PNM Coming, and the latest advisory, Take the Money and Vote Them Out!; Peter Lewis’s Red and Ready; Devon Seales’ Go Now!
Members of the crowd swarmed a narrow catwalk jutting from the main stage, which the candidates walked as they were presented, reaching out to slap, shake and touch palms with attendees, catching the high mood from the crowd.
Guest speaker former NY governor David Paterson slammed the PP administration. Former US congressman Ed Townes conveyed brief remarks.
Then it was to tumultuous cheers that PNM leader Keith Rowley (sporting ox blood red footwear) took the stage, making a brief lap around the catwalk, slapping hands with attendees, smiling broadly.
Just as he was getting started, movement in the crowd grabbed the spotlight—a wooden coffin being borne on the shoulders of some PNMites, clearly meant to represent the PP Government.
“I ask you to have respect for the dead...” Rowley deadpanned.