PNM presents 126 Local Gov’t Election candidates at Sando rally

RACE relations and constitutional reform were among several proposals disclosed by Prime Minister Patrick Manning during Tuesday night’s mass political rally at the Chancery Lane car-park, San Fernando in which the PNM presented its 126 candidates who will contest the July 14 Local Government polls. Manning teased the massive audience with the idea of an excutive President and an expanded Senate. He however slammed the former UNC administration for shelving the Centre For Ethnic Studies, saying the “cultural mix” of the local population warranted the Centre’s re-institution. He revealed that Dr Fitzroy A. Baptiste and UWI lecturer, Dr Brinsely Samaroo, would head the revived Centre. However,  Dr Samaroo is still to be officially approached with the proposal. Manning also said that the round-table discussions involving a number of ethnically-based organisations would also be re-introduced in a bid to effect better race relations in society. Manning said the Emancipation Support Committee and the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha had agreed to take part in the round-table discussions. He also reaffirmed the ruling party’s position on constitutional reform saying the PNM was committed to reform via consultation with the population. “The PNM is committed to the reform of the country’s Constitution,” he said. He however warned that reform would not occur, “in any cabal, in any smokey room with any drink, discussing these matters with obstructionist politicians,” without regard for the population of the country.

He said the process, which would also include reform of the local government system, may last as long as five years. Manning also advanced the idea of an increase in Parliamentary seats with an expanded Senate, with a further 15 persons, including the THA chief secretary and Mayors from each borough corporation, being able to make contributions. “And just for the record, even though it doesn’t come directly under this, it is the view of the PNM that Trinidad and Tobago should have an executive President,” Manning said. He revealed that three youth development programmes, under the direction of the Defence Force, would also be introduced into the national curriculum.