Certain parts of the East-West Corridor rang with the sounds of political “gunfire” on Monday and Tuesday. The major parties did battle back-to-back with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bisssesar’s PP in Aranguez and Opposition Leader Keith Rowley’s PNM in Brazil Village. The PP mounted the podium in the St Joseph constituency which the PP hopes to regain from the PNM in the upcoming general election, while the PNM’s colours were hoisted in the constituency of La Horquetta, Talparo, which the PNM has targeted to take from the PP.
PP’s Aranguez meeting again featured the impressive numbers which have been following the PP. “Patsy’s Posse,” a grey-shirted group headed by UNC stalwart “Miss Patsy” led the cheerleading. A phalanx of parked black SUVs confirmed the number of PP VIPs present. Attendees were clearly hyped by the atmosphere judging from the high-energy platform appearances of St Joseph caretaker/Senator Christine Newallo-Hosein and San Juan MP Fuad Khan.
Newallo-Hosein, in her maiden platform speech, seemed to take to the podium like a politician to TV cameras. Though reading from a speech, she maintained adequate connection with the crowd and kept a “high” throughout delivery. The programme’s choreography—the PM’s long walk in through the crowd, pressing the flesh, bonding with members, the fervent looks of anticipation on people’s faces awaiting her appearance, special inspiring signature music, large screens reflecting crowd numbers—was in sync with promoting a confident, successful profile.
COP leader Prakash Ramadhar, debuting on the UNC platform, however, told the hard truth of reality: that the COP was the first line of PP defence in the corridor, that there were divisions and all supporters were needed. Persad-Bissessar similarly echoed briefly the need for unity. But taking advantage of the PNM’s recent back-foot regarding issues with Faris Al-Rawi, she launched an extension of “Farisgate” and, following her move on PNM frontliners, extended it to its backgrounders also, dubbing the PNM the “Big People” party.
“This isn’t PNM country. There’s space and place for everyone as long as we stay united,” she warned. PNM’s large Brazil meeting with a similar high-energy crowd would hardly have agreed. The opening prayer featured an intriguing appeal for a Higher Authority to “throw a bloodline” over the constituency and the 40 others in the PNM’s favour. It wasn’t the only one. Prayers at PNM meetings have been particularly interesting. The Marabella openers called on the Greater Power to “stop the bickering and backbiting” and to understand “we have our differences.”
PNM official Jennifer Baptiste-Primus appeared to have an inside UNC track since she announced the PP’s no-confidence motion against Rowley would be debated next week. (It was only finalised at the UNC’s caucus earlier on Monday, UNC officials said). Candidate Maxie Cuffie’s signature laid-back demeanour made for a low-energy delivery, but he gamely took on the PP and his opponent’s shortcomings. “Throw-dem-out,” he urged.
Al-Rawi was absent. But least attendees felt he was dog-housed after the PP’s attack, his boss stoutly defended him, wrote off what he termed the PP’s Monday Night “Rants” and told Persad-Bissessar where to put her allegations. Defending PCA director David West, Rowley waded into UNC temporary senator, lawyer Larry Lalla. Rowley’s tone, however, held no sarcasm in congratulating PP Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie—who has often clashed with the PNM—for swift action in firing Jaishima Leladharsingh from the CDA board
“Faris is a son who would make any mother proud, but the campaign of 2015 isn’t about Faris. Elections are upon us and the PNM is ready, willing and prepared,” he added. “Vote dem out, vote dem out, vote dem out!” Rowley declared, borrowing the NAR’s 1986 slogan over the PNM’s “Great is the PNM and it will Prevail” tag line.