UNC/PNM clash in Biche

CAMPAIGNING in Nariva/Mayaro for the upcoming Local Government Elections turned heated on the weekend between the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) and the opposition United National Congress (UNC) when supporters from both parties clashed.

Biche police are investigating reports of a heated exchange between a PNM candidate and Kelly Ramdass, a UNC activist. According to police reports, around midday on Sunday, Ramdass was driving through the Biche district speaking through a microphone to inform residents about his party’s plans and programmes. The report stated that Ramdass used a remark about a PNM candidate handing out grocery hampers together with smoked herring. The UNC had given out, Ramdass ann-ounced, food hampers with chicken, a statement to which one of the PNM’s candidates took offence.

Reports stated that Ramdass was confronted at his home later that day at Kitchener Street, Biche Village, by several PNM activists. Ramdass reported to police that he was threatened. The PNM activists, the report stated, surrounded Ramdass and pointing their fingers in his face, asking him to desist from making anti-PNM statements through the “mike.” Campaign manager for one of the PNM candidates in the area, Brian Francis, denied there was a clash. However parliamentary representative for the area, Harry Partap, said Ramdass reported to him that a truck packed with PNM supporters confronted him (Ramdass) in front his home. Partap told Newsday, “We are saying that we would not be intimidated by thuggery. We are prepared to defend ourselves with our vote.”