THE battle for control of Toco/Sangre Grande is heating up day by day with the major political parties – PNM and UNC – pushing hard to secure the vote of as many constituents as possible while simultaneously increasing their visibility and hyping their campaigns.
From Valencia to Sangre Grande, almost every utility pole has been adorned – some might say littered – with red and yellow flags. Cars with loudspeakers rove through communities urging the public to support either the PNM candidate, Roger Munroe, the former MP, or UNC's Wayne Sturge.
Two other political parties – the Patriotic Front (Elizabeth Wharton) and National Transformation Alliance (Christine Newallo-Hosein) – have thrown their hat in the ring, but with considerably less resources at their disposal, presumably, are less visible than the major parties.
The PNM has retained control of Toco/Sangre Grande for the past two general elections. However, in 2010, People's Partnership candidate Rupert Griffith won the seat.
In 2020, there were 18,237 votes cast overall in the constituency – Munroe receiving 10,698 while UNC's Nabila Greene, a political neophyte, received 7,313.
Newsday visited Sangre Grande on April 15 and spoke to residents and vendors about how they feel about the last five years of representation, the messages of the political parties, and what they would like to see in the next five years.
The overwhelming cry from the people was that Toco/Sangre Grande remains underdeveloped. There was also a call for more job opportunities, especially for young people.
The pace of development in Sangre Grande remains less than ideal for many people.
[caption id="attachment_1150650" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PNM candidate Roger Munroe -[/caption]
The main business hub in the heart of Sangre Grande has reached its capacity as there is simply no physical room for further expansion. Instead, private enterprises have begun investing in the outskirts of Sangre Grande. The Xtra Plaza, near Turure junction, is one such development, boasting Xtra Foods, a KFC outlet, Burger King, Hakka, First Citizens and other enterprises.
Not too far away, in Guaico, another major private development, on 11 acres, is taking place. It is set to feature a gas station and Quik Shoppe, a supermarket, a financial institution, a Church's Chicken and Rituals, 17 retail outlets and a food complex.
Of all the attractions listed, a modern gas station would be top of the list for many residents of Sangre Grande. At one point, Sangre Grande had at least three functioning gas stations. All except one are now defunct. The solitary gas station, near Guaico Jct, accepts cash only and does not offer anything for sale other than fuel. Its location also causes a traffic disruption with vehicles lining up, having to mount the pavement and block the entrance of nearby businesses.
Munroe: Projects delivered, more to come
In an interview with Newsday on April 8, Munroe defended his tenure over the last five years.
Asked to list some of his achievements, Munroe ci
