PNM incumbent leader Keith Rowley has lashed out at “losers” (sic) who have complained about problems and alleged subterfuge concerning PNM’s voting list and that his team has kept people out of the process. Speaking at Tuesday’ Diego Martin Central campaign meeting for PNM’s May 18 internal poll, Rowley said only “losers” would make such a claim. He noted a complaint from a female member on air recently who claimed she could not get a form from Balisier House. Rowley said that was false.
He said thousands had come to Balisier House and received forms. Outlining the process, he said people knew what it was about, yet went on the radio alleging fraud, subterfuge and bad process. Rowley claimed a political leader bought out radio air time over the period coinciding with PNM’s election and the main posts on Jack Warner’s radio programme involved talk about the elections though callers could not get through to correct statements made on air.
He said it was being made out on Warner’s programme that subterfuge was being used in the PNM election and the issue might end up in court but Rowley said the PNM was willing to defend its process and honour in court. He claimed his opponents had “Rip Van Winkle” to discourage people from voting PNM under him.
Other speakers, which included candidate Irene Hinds and MP Marlene McDonald, strongly attacked Team Penny candidate Danny Montano, asking where Montano was in recent years. Gail La Touche said: “Danny cuttail booked!” On alleged remarks about “colour” from an audience member at a recent Team Penny meeting, Rowley declared: “1962 come and gone!”
Rowley said winning the Tobago THA election was not easy. He said polls showed prior to election that PNM led in three seats, was close in two and behind in seven. He said team work brought the THA in. From May 19 after the election, he said, the PNM would be preparing for the general election.
Rowley said the next PNM cabinet would be about 17 or 18 and the Local Government Ministry for instance would be appended to Finance and geared to disbursing corporation funds mainly. Rowley concludes campaigning next Monday in Siparia.