By Alicia Chamely

INCLEMENT weather and debilitating traffic have forced the postponement of Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles’ ONE People’s National Movement (PNM) San Fernando Public Meeting.

This was confirmed to AZP News on Thursday morning by PNM Educational Officer Laurel Lezama.

Scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening at the Pleasantville Community Centre, Beckles and her team took the decision to reschedule the meeting after reports of flooding, severe weather conditions and standstill traffic.

Lezama said the meeting had been rescheduled to Saturday and would be held at the same venue.

Beckles and her slate were campaigning for the PNM Internal Elections to be held on June 22 at a special convention.

She is the sole person contesting the post of PNM’s political leader.

Beckles was expected to hold meetings in Diego Martin on Thursday and in Chaguanas on Friday.

Instead, she opted to be out in field as residents in her Arima constituency were dealing with the adverse effects of the weather.

Beckles posted on her Facebook page, “The recent adverse weather has significantly affected the community of Aripo. I want to assure residents that I, along with Councillor Kerry-Ann Kasmalley, have made the necessary contacts with the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation and the Ministry of Works to assess and address the situation.

“This morning, I visited the community at 6.30 am to appraise the extent of the damage, accompanied by Village Council President Valentine. I have also been in ongoing communication with the primary school principal to ensure that arrangements are in place and that students are supported ahead of the upcoming National Tests.”

The ONE PNM slate was launched on June 7 in Beckles’ home constituency Arima.

Candidates under the ONE PNM slate are:

Political Leader: Penelope Beckles

Chairman:  Marvin Gonzales

Vice Chairman: Amery Browne

Lady Vice Chairman: Nyan Gadsby-Dolly

General Secretary: Foster Cummings

Assistant General Secretary:  Patricia Alexis

Treasurer: Nal Ramsingh

Education Officer: Jelani Reid

Public Relations Officer:  Faris Al-Rawi

Social Media Officer: Symon De Nobriga

Elections Officer:  Indar Parasram

Field Officer:  Curtis Shade

Youth Officer:  Kareem Marcelle

Operations Officer: Irene Hinds

Labour Relations Officer 2/2: Kenneth Deoraj