Diego Martin West blanks Hugh Francis

THE POLITICAL party prospects of former Government Minister Hugh Francis took a serious setback on Monday night when he was defeated as chairman of the Diego Martin West constituency.

Francis, who has indicated that he intends to run for the chairmanship of the PNM, was beaten two to one by Leo Matthews. Francis had been chairman of the Diego Martin West constituency since 1999. By virtue of that position, he has also been a member of the party’s General Council and Central Executive. Party sources said yesterday that if he couldn’t get elected as chairman of a constituency, it is highly improbable that he stands any chance of being selected as party chairman. Francis and Prime Minister Patrick Manning both served in the Eric Williams and George Chambers Cabinets, but they have not enjoyed a close political relationship. Sources also stated that Francis and current MP, Dr Keith Rowley, have also not been seeing eye to eye. In fact, it is understood that Francis, who runs a private consultancy, has complained to the constituency that the Planning Minister has been “uncooperative.”

Sources said the party convention at which all offices would come up for election, which was scheduled for October 25 and 26, would most likely be postponed to November. There was virtually a complete changing of the guard at the constituency executive level. Others who were elected on Monday night were Nelson Simette (vice-chairman); Cornelius Lewis (secretary); Mona Persad (assistant secretary); Sigler Jack, (PRO); Julius Samuel (elections officer); Susan Thomas (education officer) and Lionel Jiroux (field officer). Rita Mitchell and Henry Burton were returned as welfare officer and treasurer respectively. The constituency would be holding its conference on Sunday at 2.30 pm. MP for the area, Planning Minister Dr Keith Rowley, and Senator Christine Kangaloo are carded to speak at the event. All constituencies are currently holding their AGMs in preparation for the convention.