PNM PREPARES FOR APRIL POLL

THE ruling PNM is preparing its troops for an April general election.

Activities including street canvassing, preparation and delivery of a manifesto and paraphernalia, verification of voters, and other activities are geared toward a poll within the next few weeks.

Constituency executives are holding regular planning sessions, during which walkabouts and assignments of street captains and foot soldiers are being confirmed.

There are plans for incoming Prime Minister Stuart Young to walk with PNM campaigners in all 41 constituencies, sources said.

Young is scheduled to promote the divestment of Petrotrin at a mass meeting in San Fernando and at public gatherings in communities around the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery.

Along with outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, Young will tout the unfinished A.N.R. Robinson International Airport, the opening of the widened Solomon Hochoy Highway, and other large projects.

The unfinished Central Block of Port of Spain General Hospital has been launched.

The purchase of election supplies, a campaign song, and a theme are being finalised, the insiders said.

The party is also stepping up its presence on social and legacy media.

The Unemployment Relief Programme is employing more daily-paid workers, most of who will be enlisted in street campaigning.

Certain government ministries and State enterprises are also recruiting short-term workers for certain infrastructural, repair, upkeep, and renovation projects.

Informed sources said Balisier House has carefully mapped a programme of activities for Young, some of which are aimed at promoting candidates in swing constituencies.

He has a busy schedule, walking on afternoons with campaigners and meeting financiers and strategists at night.

The aim is for the new PNM boss to market his policies, vision, and leadership style to the national community.

One informed source said the party’s executive is excited about Young’s high-energy and hands-on approach.

The informant said: “We are in a good place; the PNM is renowned for our election planning and execution, and this year will be no different.

“We are supporting our new leader as he takes us into battle.”

The source pointed to the “seamless manner” in which the party selected Young as leader to succeed Rowley.

The party’s executive is hoping Young will give PNM an increased electoral appeal in a manner similar to that of George Chambers’ leadership after Dr. Eric Williams died in office in 1981, an election year.

Chambers led the PNM to a 26-10 victory, in the process denying Karl Hudson-Phillips’ Organisation of National Reconstruction of any seat.

Some voters swung to Chambers because of his easy-going manner, in contrast to Williams’ aloof and distant style.

There is speculation of Monday April 28 as the election date.

The Parliament must be prorogued by August 20, the fifth anniversary of the last general election.