Khan: Two more Regional Corporations for PNM

WORKS MINISTER Franklyn Khan predicted yesterday that the ruling PNM would capture at least two additional Regional Corporations in the upcoming local government elections.

He was speaking to reporters after the launch of PTSC’s rural shuttle service from Princes Town to Marac, Moruga, at the Marac Baptist Primary School, on Thursday evening. The outspoken Minister, who is also the Ortoire/ Mayaro, representative said the party was “going after nine or ten” Regional Corporations. “Right now, it is seven-seven. We are after between nine or ten,” he said. Unlike other PNM officials, Khan admitted that while the party would make significant inroads into UNC-controlled Corporations, he said he did not expect a “clean sweep” at the polls. “I wouldn’t be so naive to think that we will win in Chaguanas and Couva/ Tabaquite/ Talparo,” he said, adding that certain sections of population “for whatever reasons,” would not support the ruling party. However, he said expectations were “extremely high” for major upsets within the two UNC-held Corporations that straddle the Ortoire/ Mayaro constituency, the Princes Town Regional Corporation and the Rio Claro/ Mayaro Regional Corporation. “Currently we will do very good and are expecting to tie the Mayaro Corporation three-three, and we are expecting to get two out of the nine in Princes Town, which is Moruga and Indian Walk/ Tableland,” Khan said.

The Minister also revealed that international consultancy firms were being invited to apply to the National Tenders Board for proposals on the development of a national transportation network. “The transportation landscape in Trinidad and Tobago is changing and must change in keeping with vision 2020,” he said. He added that the Ministries of Works and Education were considering proposals for specially built buses for physically challenged school children. Earlier, the PTSC Chairman, Ethelbert “Telly” Paul, said the new shuttle service formed part of the Corporation’s thrust in bringing an efficient transportation service to rural communities. He said the intention was to link rural communities, including Guayaguayare, Mayaro, Blan-chisseuse, Las Cuevas and Matelot to their respective civic centres.