Senators break their silence on political future

Reporter

Carisa.Lee@cnc3.co.tt

UNC Senator and one of its deputy political leaders Jearlean John says, as of now, she will not seek to contest the La Horquetta/Talparo seat in the upcoming general elections.

On Wednesday, Senators inside and outside of the Upper House revealed whether or not they would be throwing their hat in the election ring.

While on her way to the Senate for debate on the 2025 Budget, which was eventually passed, John said right now she is in full elections work in her role as coordinator for the seat of La Horquetta/Talparo.

“We will bring that seat in, that seat will be on the UNC column for the next general election for sure,” she said.

In the 2020 elections, she contested the seat but lost by 2000 votes to the PNM’s Foster Cummings, who is now the MP.

John said while on the ground she learnt that people want more from their representatives. She said after observing what was happening in La Horquetta/Talparo she was happy to remain coordinator.

Opposition Senator Wade Mark said he won’t be vying for any seats. He explained he saw himself as an elder statesman and would put all his support behind his political leader.

Another Opposition Senator David Nakhid said it’s up to the party’s political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to determine if he will contest a seat. He said he has one goal.

“I have my eyes set on getting rid of Keith Christopher Rowley and the PNM, that is what I have my eyes set on,” he said.

However, the Opposition’s Damian Lyder said he did submit nomination papers for a constituency and he’s optimistic since he believes he has fought hard for the UNC and held the Government to account.

Inside the Upper House, Government Senator Renuka Sagramsingh-Sooklal confirmed she will be contesting the St Augustine constituency in the upcoming elections.

She said her budget contribution in the Senate might be her last such presentation as she plans on taking the St Augustine constituency away from the UNC.

“Soon I will be packing my ‘jahaji’ bundle and heading over to the other place and joining my ministerial and Government colleagues Mr President,” she said.

Sagramsingh-Sooklal went up against UNC’s Khadijah Ameen in 2020 but lost by approximately 7000 votes.

She also congratulated Dr Muhammad Yunus Ibrahim for being selected to contest the Barataria/San Juan constituency, which is currently held by UNC MP Saddam Hosein.

The PNM also selected Senator Richie Sookhai to contest the Chaguanas East seat.

Outside the Red House, Sookhai said he was optimistic that he could win the UNC stronghold, held by Vandana Mohit.

Sookhai said since being selected he has already been in the area and learnt that constituents have been suffering.

“I’m talking about Enterprise, Crown Trace, Longdenville, Montrose, down to Lange Park a PNM candidate was the only one (who did work) and that’s why elections have consequences, people have to select the right candidate when they selecting for elections,” he explained.

Government Senator and PNM deputy leader Rohan Sinanan declined to comment on whether he was putting his hat in the election ring.

Senator Hassel Bacchus said he did not file nomination papers as he believes there’s a process, which requires support from various party groups.

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