UNC heads to Tunapuna tonight

The United National Congress (UNC) Monday night forum rolls into Tunapuna today.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is scheduled to deliver the feature address at the public meeting at Tunapuna Hindu School.

Last Monday, the UNC meeting was held in Gasparillo where Persad-Bissessar assured supporters that her party and Government were strong.

She said there was an open contest for the Chaguanas West constituency seat and called for nominations.

The Prime Minister had also said that after the seat was officially declared vacant by House Speaker Wade Mark, she will consult the party executive and fix a date for the by–election.

Last Friday, the seat was officially declared vacant at the Parliament sitting and the UNC executive is expected to meet again this week for further discussions.

Former Government minister Jack Warner resigned as National Security Minister, UNC chairman and Chaguanas West MP following a report from Concacaf’s integrity committee which found that there was financial mismanagement during his tenure as Concacaf president.

Warner said he wanted to go back to the polls to seek a fresh mandate from the people.

However, his decision, according to sources, does not have party support and he may have to contest the seat as an independent candidate.

Local Government elections are also due this year when the People’s Partnership will fight to control its majority of the local municipal corporations.

And with elections in the air, the Persad-Bissessar-led Government marks its third anniversary on May 24.

The People’s National Movement (PNM) has filed a vote of no confidence against the Government which will also be debated this month.

PNM MP Donna Cox said the Opposition party will continue its public meetings and walkabouts in the run-up to elections and is also in the process of selecting a candidate to contest the Chaguanas West seat.

Express