PNM nominates 24-year-old farmer for CWC byelection

PNM candidate Avinash Singh celebrates at Balisier House. Guardian photo

The People's National Movement (PNM) has selected a farmer as its candidate for the Chaguanas West byelection on July 29. He is Avinash Singh, 24, of Felicity.

The PNM made the decision Monday. Singh is the Youth and Policy Officer of the Section 34 Group. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agri-science and has participated in training in agricultural risk management. He comes from a family of farmers.

Singh told supporters Monday he is proud to represent the PNM and promised that he would win the seat. He added, "Let it be known the next Prime Minister is the honourable Dr Keith Christopher Rowley." 

He appealed to undecided voters to choose the PNM. "Open your eyes to the ills that you have been facing under the current regime. I am the individual about to change that," he said.

PNM chairman Franklin Khan described the 24-year old as "an experienced farmer and prominent businessman in Chaguanas". However in a radio interview he conceded that PNM cannot win the election.

The election is likely to be a two-way race if the UNC nominates former MP Jack Warner. On Monday night UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that there will be only one candidate from the People's Partnership (PP).

No other party has expressed an interest in running. However, if Warner does not get the nomination for the PP he might run as an independent, making it a three-way race.

Chaguanas West is one of the safest UNC seats. In the 2010 general election Warner was re-elected with more than 18,000 votes with the PNM candidate getting just over 1300 votes.

The UNC is still inviting members to send in nominations, which close on April 21. "We will follow the party rules and its constitution to select your candidate,” Persad-Bissessar said Monday night. She aded that the screening will take place during the week of June 24, 2013.