SHALIZA HASSANALI
The marginal seat of Sangre Grande Northwest which the People’s National Movement (PNM) controlled following the 2016 local government election was switched to the United National Congress (UNC) in Monday’s polls, as burgesses cited lack of representation that drove them to change from red to yellow.
Known as a PNM stronghold district, UNC councillor Nasser Hosein wrestled control of the seat from PNM’s candidate Elizabeth Wharton despite last-minute paving of roads, building of box drains and distribution of hampers to the masses.
The UNC won five of the eight seats in the northeastern region.
At Blake Avenue, Damarie Hill, resident Shawn Garcia admitted that the recent paving of his street which he described as an “election gimmick” pushed him to vote for Hosein.
“Since PNM around they did nothing for us. Really, the people in the back here is UNC to their heart,” Garcia said.
The upliftment to their area, Garcia said was done solely by community members.
Showing his stained finger, Garcia said he supported Hosein who promised to see after their needs.
Burgesses at Robinson #2 voiced their displeasure at Wharton’s poor representation, stating the three branch roads which were recently resurfaced were unnecessary.
“We didn’t need the roads paved. We can’t eat the asphalt. It have youths in the area who have potential and they not giving them a chance. What we need is work. This lady does nothing,” Thomas said, referring to Wharton.
Surrounded by residents in the community, Thomas said there was also nepotism and favouritism with the distribution of jobs.
To get a job, she said, you had to be a certain colour.
What made the residents switch their allegiance, Thomas said was Hosein’s hope of a better tomorrow.
Wharton, she said never gave them a listening ear.
“When Hosein spoke he gave us hope and encouragement...and he started to do things probably out of his own pocket to show he would help us. And it is not about race with him.”
TThe residents said they were happy that Wharton was voted out.
“Too much of people complaining,” Thomas said.
Of the 7,030 eligible voters in the electoral district, Hosein captured 1,738 votes with 1,368 going to Wharton.
In the 2016 local government election, Wharton won the seat by 40 votes to the UNC making it a marginal district.
Even though Stacy Jules had to fight to get a Cepep work she still gave Wharton her vote.
“I find the councillor should have taken more interest in the community,” Jules said.
Jules said the UNC captured the seat because “the councillor was not fit for the position she had.”
She aid she felt used giving the PNM her vote.
In an interview with Guardian Media at his Sangre Grande home yesterday, Hosein, 65, admitted that the paving frenzy in his district days before the election was done to garner votes which backfired on the PNM.
He said burgesses complained that they were offered many things to support the PNM.
“It (offerings) did not fool the people.
“They (PNM) spent millions like a dose of salts. They have to learn from their mistakes. It’s too late for them now,” Hosein said.
The PNM strategy, Hosein said worked in his favour.
“The road to victory was paved for me by the PNM. I upset the apple cart.”
Contacted last night, Wharton said she had no comment to make and abruptly hung up the phone.