PNM READY FOR MAYARO SHOWDOWN

THE People’s National Movement (PNM) has selected its general election candidate for Mayaro, where the party considers it has a fighting chance.

The PNM has chosen Beatrice Bridgelal, a Rio Claro-based insurance underwriter and former president of the town’s business chamber.

It is a daring choice for the party since most election candidates emerge from the more populous Mayaro, from where they usually have greater ties with the electorate of Guayagayare and the eastern seaboard.

But the ruling party feels it can win the seat which it last represented, through Franklyn Khan, in 2007.

The PNM’s confidence is built around the fallout in the United National Congress’ (UNC) camp over incumbent Rushton Paray.

Paray, a two-term Member of Parliament, has been distanced by the Kamla Persad-Bissessar leadership since he led a team of challengers in the party’s June 15 poll.

The MP, who has deep family and business roots in the south-eastern constituency, is considered by many to be the UNC’s best prospect for the marginal seat.

There is expected to be a strong lobby for his return as the candidate.

In 2020, Paray copped 10,593 votes, to 7,229 by the PNM’s Sankar “Bunny” Mahabirsingh.

Mahabirsingh sought to gain the PNM’s nod for the forthcoming election.

Ms. Bridgelal, who beat two other primary contenders, has begun an aggressive ground operation, including reaching out to certain UNC activists.

Various government ministries are expected to increase their delivery of goods and services to communities of the electoral constituency to seek to enhance the party’s opportunities.

Mayaro is riddled with social and economic problems, including high unemployment.

MP Paray has been vigilant in his representation of the constituency.

The PNM has named candidates for certain marginal seats, while the UNC is still to screen applicants.