THE so-called Black Caucus of the ruling People’s National Movement – which includes certain ministers – is upset over the appointment of Richie Sookhai as a government senator.
They see the shocking rise of the Central Trinidad business leader as a blow to longstanding activist PNMites, especially Blacks.
The outrage follows quiet dissent over the selection by party leader Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of certain candidates for the PNM’s internal election of officers.
The fury toward the Sookhai appointment is similar to that expressed about the senior postings of Faris Al Rawi, Stuart Young, Colm Imbert, Rohan Sinanan, Kazim Hosein and other non-Afro-T&T ministers.
In addition, a former PNM official wrote to Rowley some months ago alleging that a then-line minister was attempting to “Indianise” a certain State institution through his employment practices.
The anger of the Black Caucus is similar to that often vocalised by Afro-conscious commentator Professor Selwyn Cudjoe.
Cudjoe recently wrote: “Many PNM party members are concerned about the few Black members in the Cabinet and the inconsequential portfolios they hold.
“They are also concerned about how the party treats its Black members, the poverty among Black people, and the deteriorating conditions in which they live.”
The anti-Sookhai acrimony stems from the strong view that there are several long-serving East-West Corridor party activists who deserve a break when opportunities arise.
There is also displeasure that Sookhai could rise to ministerial office within a short period, thus bypassing certain entrenched PNM figures.
The 43-year-old new government senator runs a thriving family-owned company and has led the Chaguanas Chamber of Commerce.
He said he would not rule out entering electoral politics, and already there is speculation that he could become the PNM’s 2025 general election candidate for the swing constituency of Chaguanas East.
The ruling party is eyeing the seat, that it won in 2007.
Cudjoe has said that “the PNM failed to improve the conditions of Black people over the last umpteen years…”
There are reports that two high-profile government ministers declined to shake Sookhai’s hands following his swearing-in as a senator.
The new legislator has also run into stinging criticisms from the United National Congress, including character allegations.
Sookhai’s appointment is seen as part of 73-year-old Rowley’s succession planning.
