By Sue-Ann Wayow
THREE candidates for the upcoming People’s National Movement (PNM) internal elections have withdrawn their nominations.
The PNM Elections Supervisory Committee (ESC) in a media release on Wednesday stated that Minister in the Ministry of Finance Brian Manning who was vying for the post of vice-chairman, Curtis Shade – field officer and Ndale Young – youth officer withdrew their nominations which were filed on Nomination Day on October 10.
To date, there are 39 nominees – four unopposed and 35 who will face the polls on the scheduled dates – November 26 and 27 and on Convention Day, December 4.
No reason was given for the withdrawal.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and political leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) will be challenged by three persons for his PNM leadership post in the internal election.
Former finance minister Karen Nunez Tesheira had already announced her intention to vie for the party’s top position and she is joined by Ronald Boynes and Junior Barrack.
Government minister Stuart Young, Kenneth Butcher and Farai Hove Masaisai are contesting the chairmanship position.
For the Vice-Chairman post, Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly and attorney Rondell Donawa have been nominated.
The Assistant General Secretary position is being contested by Patricia Alexis, Daniel Dookie and Janelle John-Bates.
For treasurer position, Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein has been nominated along with Anthony Davis and Sallian Holdip.
Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing and Clayton Blackman are vying for the position of Education Officer.
Four positions are now unopposed.
These include Lady Vice-Chairman with Planning Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis being nominated, Minister of Youth Development and National Service Foster Cummings, candidate for General Secretary, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi being nominated for the position of Public Relations Officer and Jeniece Scott – Youth Officer.
Several other persons were also nominated for six other positions including: Social Media Officer, Elections Officer, Labour Relations Officer, Field Officer, Welfare Officer and Operations Officer.
