A COMEBACK FOR PAULA?

PAULA Gopee-Scoon may be making a comeback to electoral politics.

Ms. Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, may face the electorate for the PNM in a southern constituency, possibly the marginal Moruga-Tableland.

PNM activists have begun advance work on behalf of the prospective candidate in certain constituencies, including Point Fortin, which she represented from 2007 to 2010.

At Moruga-Tableland, PNM campaigners are identifying infrastructure and other concerns for her attention.

The Government is undertaking widespread improvement of the rural community.

There were early indicators that the PNM had earmarked cricketer-turn-broadcast commentator Samuel Badree for the constituency, currently held by the UNC’s Michelle Benjamin.

Ms. Gopee-Scoon has had a chequered political career so far.

During her tenure in the Ministry of Trade and Industry there has been a flight of international investors and a lowering of the country’s international competitiveness.

In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, there was a net outflow of investors worth US $914 million.

Industrialists have complained of red tape in processing business transactions.

Scores of small and medium-sized businesses closed following the Covid-19 epidemic and as a result of the declining economy and the lop-sided growth of large corporations.

But several incentives have been provided to manufacturers, and the minister has led international trade missions.

A recent Central Bank report revealed the urgent need for increased exports.

There have been no meaningful efforts at diversifying the economy away from the weakening energy sector.

Turncoat politician Taharqa Obika may fly the PNM’s flag in either La Brea or Point Fortin, according to PNM insiders.

The ruling party is also narrowing down potential candidates for several other constituencies, with indications that certain incumbents will be replaced.