UNC Senators emerge as potential election candidates, say party sources

The second round of in-person screening of potential candidates for the United National Congress will recommence “soon,” according to political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

However, several familiar people are, according to UNC sources, being considered for some seats.

The party has remained relatively tight-lipped over revealing who has filed their nominations, but it appears as if at least two Senators are intent on transitioning from the Upper House to the Lower.

Despite not being picked for the San Fernando West seat, Jayanti Lutchmedial-Ramdial has her eyes on the Naparima constituency. She said yesterday that she is awaiting her turn to screen for the UNC-held seat.

Asked if her confidence will be affected after being previously blanked by the screening committee, Lutchmedial-Ramdial said, “I offer myself in service to my party and leave it up to the committee to determine who they see as the best candidate. The UNC has a wealth of talent and persons very willing to serve. It makes me proud to even be considered.”

Meanwhile, Senator Damian Lyder has offered himself for the Cumuto/Manzanilla seat. That constituency is currently held by Dr Rai Ragbir who expressed his willingness to re-contest the seat.

However, he acknowledged that his chances were slim due to a public falling out with the Opposition Leader.

Former Opposition Senator Sean Sobers is under consideration for the Tabaquite seat, party sources said. He will be challenged by incumbent Anita Haynes-Alleyne who finds herself in a similar predicament as Ragbir. Guardian Media was also told that former Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation Alderman Kevan Gibbs also has aspirations to be MP for Tabaquite or Tunapuna.

Several people are being considered for the Chaguanas West seat and sources said Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed is one of them.

The UNC has so far chosen two incumbents in Saddam Hosein for Barataria/San Juan and Vandana Mohit for Chaguanas East. Former school principal Dr Michael Dowlath was the party’s pick for the marginal San Fernando West seat.

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