PNM bracing for major upheavals

This was revealed yesterday by PNM party Chairman Franklin Khan during a press briefing following the PNM’s general council meeting at the San Fernando East Constituency’s Office.

Last Wednesday, the EBC in its 2005 report, suggested the creation of five additional constituences. The report was eventually debated and passed in Parliament.

There are now 36 electoral seats in Trinidad and Tobago.

"In the weeks and months ahead we are trying to get everything organised, maybe by the end of the year. This means that there will be major upheavals at the level of constituency and I use the word upheavals guardedly," he said. Khan added that they had set a time table for their party group and executive elections and they felt "quite positive" that these changes would take place in time for their annual convention in November.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who attended the council meeting but was not at the press briefing, refused to entertain any questions from reporters.

Khan, MP for Ortoire/Mayaro, pointed out that several constituencies would no longer exist and all, with the exception of San Juan/Barataria, would face minor adjustments.

However, Khan said the most significantly changes would be in the Eastern constituency.

He pointed out that Toco/Manzanilla, Nariva and Ortoire/Mayaroa would no longer exist, but instead remodelled into four constituencies — Toco/Sangre Grande, Cumuto/Manazanilla, Mayaro and Princes Town South/Tableland.

The other major part of the changes, he said, would be Arouca North/South which has been split in four constituencies, while Chaguanas and Oropouche have been split into two.

With regards to the Siparia bi-elections today, Khan said the party had spoken on council level and was optimistic of "doing very well." He added that they had the support of surrounding constituencies. Khan also sought to clear up concerns about the $850M Tarouba Complex in South Trinidad.

He said Prime Minister Patrick Manning gave the council an update on the Tarouba Complex, which he said had been given "bad reporting."