Imbert might challenge Rowley in PNM leadership race

Diego Martin East MP Colm Imbert is likely to challenge Keith Rowley for the post of leader of the People's National Movement (PNM) and says being white doesn't make a difference.

Speaking with the Trinidad Guardian he said he is seriously considering a run against Rowley for the leadership on June 27.

Imbert told the paper when he joined the PNM in 1987 he was "embraced with open arms...My race has never been a factor in the PNM and that’s one of the reasons I remained so long.”

He added, "Once members believe you are a true PNM soldier, they embrace you no matter where you come from.”

The PNM General Council met Thursday and appointed Rowley as opposition leader after It forced former Prime Minister Patrick Manning to resign immediately as political leader.

manning has said he would not endorse anyone for the leader of the party.

Imbert told the Guardian he is well qualified for the leader's job. "I’ve been an elected MP for almost 19 years, a cabinet minister for over 12 years, and held different portfolios from Health and Works to Education and Local Government,” he said.

“I was Leader of Government Business for two and a half years with responsibility for all PNM MPs and conduct of Parliament—no one can possibly think I’m weak,” he said.

He said he almost lost his seat to the UNC's Gavin Nicholas in Monday's election because the UNC had targeted him particularly and "had wooed disaffected PNM voters and those who traditionally did not vote."

He added, "It was obvious it was not in the best interest of a lot of people that I not be in the Parliament as I am a thorn in the side of many—not just the UNC, but other people in the system, so I would not be available to be an alternative for the leadership,” he said.