Mr Chairman of the Constituency of San Fernando East Mr Vice - TopicsExpress



          

Mr Chairman of the Constituency of San Fernando East Mr Vice Chairman Mme Secretary Members of the Executive Area Managers Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Party Groups Party Members of the Constituency Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen When last we met, at this very location, I relayed to you that I would be prepared to consider a review of my position in respect of electoral politics in the following circumstances: My Health: that is to say, I needed to undergo a medical assessment to determine my preparedness and wherewithal to accept the assignment Your Support: that is to say, if the members of the Constituency of San Fernando East still wished that I continue to represent them, then I would be prepared to give serious consideration to a nomination. For the purpose of the medical examination, I contemplated THREE doctors: one in Cuba, one in Washington and my own doctor, here in San Fernando. Initially, I had decided to go to Cuba but I recognised that there were potential political implications for any assessment made by the Cuban doctors. I did not wish to create any such implication so I decided against going to Cuba. My private doctor from Washington, a national of this country, who was due to visit Trinidad for the holiday period, arrived in Trinidad on the 24th December, 2014. I actually saw her on the December 29th. My local doctor from Trinidad also provided his input. As a result, I now have the advice which I sought. My Washington based doctor has advised that, in her opinion, I have made tremendous strides but that I am not completely healed. My Trinidad doctor has indicated, that, in his view, my readiness is a matter for me; nobody would be able to make a categorical declaration on whether I should or shouldnt go. For this doctor, that matter is up to me and me alone. You will be aware that I was unable to meet the Partys December 22nd deadline for nomination as my request for an extension was not accommodated. It was my stated intention to address the Constituency on January 2nd, 2015. However, in the circumstances as they evolved, any announcement on that date would have been futile as the nomination process was, by then, already closed. Had I addressed the Constituency on January 2nd, it was my original intention to advise that notwithstanding my longstanding and unwavering commitment to people and constituency of San Fernando East, I would have had to bow out and recommend a successor. However, that was not to be. As the new year turned, I observed that I have made tremendous, dramatic, positive strides with my health. And it continues. My main concern has been my speech. But my speech today is far better than it has been in the recent past. The way I feel now is leaps and bounds over how I felt even on January 2nd. In fact, on Saturday last, I met again with my doctor who was taken aback with the progress made since our previous visit. In short, the news on the health front, for me, is very, very good. I, too, am astonished. There are people in Trinidad and Tobago, who are of the view that in the prevailing political climate, there must be a singleness of purpose between our Political Leader Dr Rowley and myself. They contend that in the absence of such accord, the PNM could be adversely affected. I wish to contribute and participate meaningfully in that solidarity. Accordingly, in light of the improvement in my health and my continued dedication to the PNM and the people of our beloved constituency, I wish to advise that I will make myself available for nomination for the Peoples National Movement in the constituency of San Fernando East. (I wish to present to the Constituency Chairman my signed consent form.) Ladies and Gentlemen, as of now all we are doing is providing our agreement to be nominated. I will only be nominated if you, the members of the constituency wish for me to be nominated. That is a matter for you! Thereafter, like any other prospective candidate, I will have to be screened, adjudicated upon by the Screening Committee and the Central Executive. You must be clear that I am not the Political Leader. There is only one Leader. He is Keith Rowley. To be a good leader, you have to be a follower. There are well established procedures in our Party and like anyone else, I am subject to the arrangements of the PNM, its Leader and the Leadership. And I beseech you to take note that my availbility is for the candidature for the office of Parliamentary Representative of San Fernando East. That is all! As I close, I wish to thank all the people of San Fernando and the people of Trinidad and Tobago who have stood by me in my darkest hour... during the difficult days I spent in hospital in Trinidad and Washington and after I came back home and suffered three seizures, one of which took place at the constituency office itself. For all who supported with love, care and prayer, I thank you deeply. I remain, with you, still and always committed to the constituents of San Fernando, the Peoples National Movement and the people of Trinidad and Tobago. May God bless you.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 01:47:41 +0000

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