PNM and UNC draw swords in Siparia

Local Government Minister Rennie Dumas and Community Development Minister Joan Yuille-Williams, led the PNM bandwagon into Coora Road, Branch Trace, Siparia. At a meeting at the home of a PNM activist, Dumas promised more street lights and repairs to roads, landslides and drains.

The Opposition UNC held its regular Monday night forum at the Siparia Junior Secondary School in Quarry Village. A large gathering of supporters turned out, but they did not have the benefit of hearing political leader Basdeo Panday who was in St Lucia for the Caricom summit. The party’s candidate, Christine Rogers-Deonarinesingh, Couva South MP Kelvin Ramnath and Opposition Senator Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, addressed the meeting.

At the PNM meeting, which was more low-keyed and informal, party officials fielded questions and comments from supporters. Scores of residents braved the inclement weather to attend the meeting.

Yuille-Williams urged Siparia residents to make full use of funding provided under her ministry, for micro-business development.

PNM campaign manager Gene Porter described the meeting as "very successful." He said several high-profile Government ministers had visited in recent weeks, including Sports Minister Roger Boynes and La Brea MP Hedwidge Bureaux.

The PNM candidate in the by-election is social worker Ivan Sinclair. The electoral district was previously held by PNM councillor Rampersad Ramkissoon, who died last December 12.

Several UNC local government councillors from the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation were at the opposition party’s meeting.

In her address, Senator Seepersad-Bachan said the impending increase in TTEC rates was based on Powergen’s application. She called on Public Utilities Minister Pennelope Beckles to make public all the details of the rate increase application.

Seepersad-Bachan also dealt with allegations against Estate Management Business Company (EMBC) boss Uthra Rao. She said as a public officer, Rao should have been hauled before the courts or the Integrity Commission. She claimed the PNM was propagating continued abuse and discrimination of women, by refusing to deal with the EMBC boss.

UNC CEO Dr Tim Goopeesingh appealed to the district’s 8,000 voters to cast their ballots in favour of Rogers- Deonarinesingh.

Both parties will continue their election campaign with the UNC holding a series of public meetings this week, starting with a mass meeting at Railway Road Junction, Siparia tomorrow evening. The PNM will hold nightly cottage meetings.