AT LEAST three small parties offered candidates for Tunapuna who each expressed confidence in their prospects in the marginal seat whose past fortunes have see-sawed between the PNM and UNC.
Reporters met representatives from the NTA, Patriotic Front and The Humanity Campaign (THC) at the office of the returning officer at Upper El Dorado Community Centre on April 4.
NTA candidate Savita Pierre told reporters the nomination process had been easy and smooth, with very pleasant staff from the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).
She explained why she was representing the NTA. "Because their values align with my values, in terms of integrity, accountability and accessibility, so I decided to align with a party which holds the same values as mine." Pierre said she lived in the constituency, was an education consultant by profession, and was now completing her doctorate in education.
Reporters asked about the short time to election day, April 28, and how she planned to engage local voters.
"I have been engaging with the community quite before time, as a custodian placed in the community.
"So we are on the ground. We are engaged from Acono (St Joseph) come right down to Riverside (Curepe). We have been in Caura and various areas as well. So far we are doing an excellent job."
Newsday asked if residents were raising any specific issues with her.
"Definitely. The issues are all around us. Crime, safety. Our residents have serious safety concerns.
"Infrastructure. No development in terms of our young people.
"So I do bring a whole new face to politics and I intend to work on the ground together with my residents, holding their hands and getting the job done."
[caption id="attachment_1147967" align="alignnone" width="768"] Tunapuna candidate for the NTA Savita Pierre -[/caption]
Asked what the NTA could do relative to the UNC's push for security, she cited NTA's political leader Gary Griffith's past role as what she described as "one of the best" commissioners of police ever in TT.
"So, you know we are well equipped to be able to deal with safety, and safety in Tunapuna."
Newsday asked if TT has room for third parties or whether these just had a nuisance value or a vote-splitting value.
"Yes. I believe there is room on the ground. You will hear the sentiments of my residents. They want change.
"It is the same thing for the last 15 years we have been receiving from both PNM and UNC.
"They (residents) are absolutely happy to have a third-party option."
Patriotic Front candidate Aleksei Henry told reporters this was his first foray into politics.
"Not a seasoned politician, but my aims and ambitions are to help the people." He said he was born and bred in Tacarigua.
"I am currently pursuing my PhD in history (at UWI, St Augustine)."
Asked about his chances of winning Tunapuna, he replied, "I think it is very, very good. The feedback has been good, especially with the younger persons."
He reiterated that his focus would be on the people, especially the youth.
Asked why he was
