By Sue-Ann Wayow

KEVAN Gibbs, a citizen of African descent, says he is proud to be supporting the United National Congress (UNC) regardless of his skin colour.

Gibbs, who is actively assisting the UNC with their General Election campaign is a former communications manager at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Posting on social media, Gibbs, who grew up between Morvant and Tunapuna said Prime Minister Stuart Young is quickly becoming Trinidad and Tobago’s shortest term prime minister.

He stated in a Facebook post, “I write as just another citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. Not Black, Indian, Syrian, Chinese, or White — simply, a citizen. A patriot who loves this country and wants better for every community, every child, and every hardworking adult trying to survive. As a citizen, I must say this: I reject the PNM.”

Gibbs said Young’s statement that the UNC was “using Black Trinidadians to spread hate” was not only false but insulting and dangerous and he has become the prime minister to cause the most division in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Insulting to me, and to thousands of Black and mixed citizens who proudly support the UNC and know exactly what this party stands for: equality, inclusion, and opportunity for all,” he stated.

Gibbs said no one was using him, neither was he a prop nor a pawn.

“I am a thinking, voting citizen who has experienced the values, respect, and inclusion within the UNC. I do not support the UNC because of my skin colour. I support the UNC because of its track record and its clear, inclusive plan to improve lives for Black, Indian, White, Chinese, Douglas, Syrian, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Orisha, and everyone in between.”

He added that the UNC policies addressed the real issues, people faced everyday such as food prices, healthcare, agriculture and more.

“These aren’t race-based promises, they’re national solutions to national problems,” he stated.

Kibbs added, “I support the UNC. Not because it’s perfect, but because it listens, includes, and leads.”

He labelled Young as a “wealthy, disconnected member of the one per cent.”

Gibbs said more citizens of African descent were supporting the UNC openly more than ever before which was frightening the PNM.

Speaking at a PNM meeting at Signature Hall in Chaguanas on Thursday, Young referred to two incidents which he claimed were incited by UNC supporters of African descent.

“I am standing here tonight telling the country and putting the country on alert that these tactics that they think are okay, and they’re also adding to it the element of race because they are using black Trinidadians to try and sell this because they think we are stupid, as Foster (Cummings) said.”