PNM cancels Rowley's meeting

The People's National Movement has pulled the plug on Keith Rowley's campaign launch which was scheduled to take place on Thursday.

Rowley is the "prospective candidate" for Diego Martin West and had been planning to kick off his campaign for his constituency while staying clear of the national campaign.

But the party has decided that holding such a meeting was premature.

The PNM screening committee chose Rowley as the candidate on April 14, but the nomination must be ratified by the by the party’s central executive.

PNM chairman Conrad Enill dismissed suggestions that the move is to silence Rowley, noting that Rowley will be a part of the the PNM team for the May 24 general election.

However he said the persons approved by the screening committee are still considered “prospective candidates” and are therefore not authorized to hold meetings until the party ratifies their nominations.

He said while candidates can begin field work in preparation for the election they cannot hold meetings like the one Rowley had planned.

Enill noted that PNM leader Patrick Manning will make the final recommendation to the central executive on which candidates will contest the election.

He expects that will happen in time for the party's presentation of candidates in Woodford Square on Sunday; the UNC makes its presentation at Mid Centre Mall, Chaguanas on sunday as well.