People's National Movement (PNM) high rankers who fell by the wayside in an earlier administration are returning to the party's fold to help ensure the party's success at the Local Government polls. John Rahael, who remains mum on why he opted out of contesting the 2007 general election despite receiving the highest percentage in a May poll conducted by the Bill Johnson Agency, has been called upon to manage the national campaign. Also, there is speculation that Rahael is the member most likely to be given the party chairman mantle. Party members and prospective candidates were advised of Rahael's role at an emergency meeting held at the Port-of-Spain City Hall yesterday in the run-up to the party's Special Chaguaramas Convention today.
The PNM, which controls nine of the 14 regional corporations, will be contesting all 134 seats in the upcoming election. Joining Rahael is former trade minister, Kenneth Valley who locked horns with former prime minister, Manning, when he was rejected as the proposed candidate for Diego Martin Central. Valley had reportedly been given a low poll rating and was replaced by Dr Amery Browne to contest the seat. Staying true to his word of embracing the old guard of the PNM, Rowley, Sunday Guardian learnt has given Valley the green light as co-ordinator of the Diego Martin Region to ensure that it remains PNM.
Party sources also told Sunday Guardian Valley has a role to play in the party's Local Government manifesto preparation as well as in the reform of the party's constitution which has remained as is since 1956. The duo joins Senator Fitzgerald Hinds, himself sidelined and replaced by Ni Leung Hypolite by Manning. "We know it is going to be a hard fight but as instructed by our national campaign manager we have to go out and work. We have to hit the road going door to door to try and see how best we could bring every seat home. Members who were seen as obsolete by the former PNM administration are now being seen as the answer to restructuring the party," the party source said.
Ferreira: Healing has begun
Founding member of the PNM Ferdie Ferreira says the move to bring back "old blood" is a sign that the healing has begun. "It is a step in the right direction. It is an extremely good start. The time has come for regrouping of forces and all hands are needed on deck. They have all contributed toward the party and all experience and service is now needed. Sunday Guardian also learnt former senator, Linus Rogers is co-ordinating the Rio Claro/Mayaro Region while executive chairman of the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation, Noel Garcia, is co-ordinator for Toco/Sangre Grande.