ILP to run for Central council

The party’s political leader Rekha Ramjit said yesterday the party will contest positions in the Chaguanas Borough Corporation, where it currently holds two of the eight electoral districts.

“We started screening today (yesterday) and we should be completed by lunchtime on Monday.

We expect to screen about 30 people in all,” she told Sunday Newsday.

The screening exercise is being carried out at the ILP’s new head office at 67, Caroni Savannah Road, Chaguanas, near to the Medford Gas Station. Ramjit said following the exercise, the party will host a news conference on Sunday (November 6).

Nomination Day for the upcoming poll is November 7. Ramjit, an attorney, said the ILP’s decision to only contest the Chaguanas Borough Corporation was driven by its “level of resources” and the fact that it was established in the central district. “We do not want to extend ourselves outside of the area we have selected. We are not the PNM and the UNC who has a treasure trove,” she said.

Ramjit said the party’s campaign will be devoid of fanfare.“Our campaign will be fought on the ground. We will have a ground strike as opposed to an air strike,” she said, adding that the campaign will be about interfacing with the people.

Lamenting that campaign finance legislation has not been brought to the Parliament, Ramjit said: “There will be no huge billboards and fancy advertisements. We have found that that is not the way to go.” Ramjit said the ILP was in its developmental stage.

The ILP was formed in July 2013 after former People’s Partnership minister Jack Warner was not re-selected as the United National Congress’ candidate for the Chaguanas West by-election.

The party was launched at a political rally in Jubilee Recreation Ground, Pierre Road, Chaguana