Hosein: Congrats to all candidates

In a statement, the former San Fernando mayor said, “Taking on the task of representing your community is one which requires humility and bravery. So we all applaud you on stepping up, and for a race well run.” In offering congratulations to all the winning candidates, the minister said, “This is a passing of the torch for some and a resumption of duties for others.” Hosein said these candidates have been elected “at a critical time in the history of local government, as we undertake local government reform.” He said these candidates “will be the ushers of the new system of local governance, in which councils will have greater autonomy, expanded responsibilities and a higher level of accountability to the public.” As a start to demonstrate a new willingness, Hosein asked all candidates from all parties to organise supporters to remove posters and election materials from public places. He reiterated this call to reporters outside San Fernando Government Secondary School where he voted. Hosein said he intends “to clean up” the country and in doing so, will get rid of all dilapidated buildings

Hosein was confident of a victory for PNM candidates. He said, “I walked and campaigned in Chaguanas and I could not believe the kind of support the PNM received there. I walked in Charlieville and it was really amazing how people were coming out and wanting to meet you and wanting to be a part of the process.” Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi voted at San Fernando West Secondary School where there was a steady flow of voters. Al-Rawi, the San Fernando West MP, said he was confident democracy will go to work and the people will speak via their votes. Accompanied by his mother, former MP and minister Diane Seukeran, Al-Rawi joked that he was happy for the good weather and the good attitude with “which our people are embracing the polls today”. Al-Rawi noted that local government elections are never as large as a general election as it is a “significantly different economy from a general election-type economy”

“Once this election is over, you can expect a significant amount of work in San Fernando. On December 9, come in and see a massive return to life on the (Harris) Promenade. Come in and see life on the promenade again, as we reclaim our city,” Al-Rawi said, inviting the public to a Christmas concert that evening. Al-Rawi highlighted PNM’s Les Efforts West/La Romaine candidate, Anderson Williams, saying he has done a great deal of work. Housing Minister Randall Mitchell cast his vote at Cocoyea Government Primary School where, he said, the process was smooth