PNM wants Justice Rolston Nelson to be considered for President

Justice Rolston Nelson, SC

The People's National Movement (PNM) on Friday sent a letter to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar suggesting that Justice Rolston Nelson, SC, of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) be considered for the post of President of Trinidad & Tobago.

The opposition, however, has not nominated the judge. It has suggested him as a "consensus" candidate. 

In order for a person to be nominated for the presidentcy she/he must get the endorsement of 12 MPs.

Nomination Day is Tuesday, February 5 and the presidential election is scheduled for February 15. The Prime Minister said on Thursday the People's Partnership would nominate a single candidate and that the name of the person would be revealed on monday.

Election of the president is by an electoral college comprising all members of parliament. 

Rowley told local media, "We are only saying to the Government that this is the person we have identified so that we can approach by way of consensus. We have given them somebody who we can support if they are interested in a president by consensus."

He said Nelson is "eminently qualified to hold such high office". The letter recommending Nelson was sent by Opposition Chief Whip Marlene McDonald to the Prime Minister and copied to Leader of Government Business in the House Roodal Moonilal.

McDonald told the Express newspaper, "We have reiterated our position that we will not support any sitting parliamentarian and that we would like to have consensus building in filling the highest post in the land.

"We told the Prime Minister that the name we have submitted is merely for consideration and for discussion and consensus from both sides."