PNM chairman Stuart Young says that with the PNM having a full slate of 41 candidates for the upcoming general election, the proverbial battle-lines are now drawn.
However, addressing a briefing after the PNM General Council meeting at Balisier House, Port of Spain, on March 10, he was unable to enlighten reporters as to exactly when the election battle would be fought, but simply by November.
Saying the Prime Minister had just addressed the party's central executive and general council, Young said the party was moving seamlessly through all that needed to be done.
General secretary Foster Cummings said the central executive had approved the PNM list of candidates, after which they were no longer deemed "prospective".
He said the 41 individuals will be presented internally to the party at a special convention on March 16 at 10 am at City Hall in Port of Spain, and later that day be publicly presented at 2 pm at Woodford Square, Port of Spain.
Young said, "What we tell the population here today is the battle lines have been drawn and the PNM has joined the battle, once again leading at the front.
"So we look forward to seeing you all at Woodford Square. Come at 2 pm on Sunday evening and you will see a magnificent presentation of a class of 41 individuals."
Reporters asked about the ruling party's presentation without even having named the election date.
Young replied, "The truth is always in TT, the PNM has led front in front. The PNM has set the standard, has set the pace.
"All you are seeing now was started in January of this year. All you are seeing is that rolling out and once again the PNM is doing what is necessary for the population to see 41 candidates for the general election that will be called any time between now and November of this year."
Asked about the transition of the prime minister post from Rowley to himself, Young reminded Rowley said he would step down on March 16.
"Dr Rowley has said quite clearly to us, not so long ago, what he will be doing on March 16, which actually coincides with what General Council has just called a special convention as well as a presentation of 41 PNM candidates on March 16.
"So stand by and you will see things unfold."
Asked if Rowley will use the occasion of the PNM special convention to stand down, Young said, "Dr Rowley will tell the population, every step of the way, what he is doing." Pressed, he reiterated, "Stand by, and you will see things unfold."
A reporter said the population was anxious to know the election day and whether it was in his proverbial pocket as prime minister-designate.
Alluding to Rowley not having left his PM office as yet, Young said, "The pocket has not changed as yet. So let us wait and you will see, as you all have been following, as it unfolds every step of the way, no hiccups on our part. So let us wait and see.
"Let us get to Sunday, let us get to March 16. The political leader and prime minster (Rowley) will tell us on the sixteenth, and then we will see what happens thereafter."
Asked if he had
