Paray warns UNC: Don’t mess with winning formula in Mayaro

Gail Alexander

Senior Political Reporter

United National Congress (UNC) Mayaro MP Rushton Paray says the positive reception he has received over the years due to the quality of his representation in Mayaro, has contributed to the area being viewed as a winnable seat for the UNC, and unless there are core issues flagged by UNC, it would be counter-productive to interfere with a “winning formula.”

This after last Sunday’s UNC election planning meeting, where it received reports from officials co-ordinating seats and other activities.

The UNC subsequently stated that it aims to win 25 constituencies in the coming election and is particularly targeting ten vital seats.

The party is targeting San Fernando West, La Horquetta/Talparo, Tunapuna, St Joseph, and Toco/Sangre Grande which are all held by the PNM and regarded as key marginals.

The UNC is also aiming to retain certain seats it holds—Moruga/Tableland, Mayaro, Pointe-a-Pierre, Chaguanas East and Barataria/San Juan.

The National Transformation Alliance (NTA) is also targeting the same ten seats.

It was confirmed that MPs who were part of Paray’s United Patriots slate for the UNC’s national executive polls—Rodney Charles, Dr Rai Ragbir, Dinesh Rambally and Anita Haynes Alleyne—were not invited to Sunday’s UNC planning meeting.

Paray said, “While I wasn’t invited to the planning meeting last Sunday, I remain committed to the party’s objectives and to winning the 2025 General Elections.”

Responding to queries on UNC’s focus on Mayaro, Paray added, “My dedication to the Mayaro constituency has always been unwavering, and I’ll continue to support the campaign in whatever capacity is most beneficial. It’s clear that the UNC recognises the significance of this constituency, not just for the upcoming elections but for the broader political landscape.

“Mayaro holds a special place, and it’s essential to focus on this area. The fact that Mayaro is among the ten seats being targeted underscores its importance.”

Paray added, “I believe the longstanding relationship I’ve cultivated with the community has played a role in the party’s decision to focus on Mayaro. The positive reception I have received over the years due to the quality of representation combined with my team’s consistent efforts, has certainly contributed to Mayaro being viewed as a winnable seat for the UNC.”

With regards to the UNC’s chances of retaining Mayaro, Paray said, “I believe they are strong, but as with any election, it will depend on candidate selection. I have been screened by the people of Mayaro for almost 10 years. Unless there are core issues flagged by the UNC, it will be counter productive to interfere with a winning formula.”

“The groundwork has been laid, and with the right approach, I am absolutely optimistic about our prospects in Mayaro.”

On whether his UP team’s efforts in the party’s elections, where his team unsuccessfully contested against the leader’s slate, had contributed to the UNC’s focus on Mayaro, Paray added, “While I’m not privy to the party specific details internally, if there is an indication that our (UP) efforts during the internal election have made a ‘mark’ in determining internal assessments, then I see it as a reflection of our dedication to a stronger UNC for a Stronger T&T.”

“The work of the UNC United Patriots speaks for itself, and it’s gratifying to know that it resonates within the party’s strategic considerations as they move forward with their 2025 campaign.”

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