Naparima residents cry neglect from MP, want Jayanti or Anita
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
As MP Rodney Charles becomes increasingly entangled in internal party struggles, frustrated Naparima constituents claim they are being left without proper representation.
With an electorate of over 60,000, Naparima has long been a stronghold of the United National Congress. However, with Charles now out of the race for the next election, constituents are voicing strong opinions on who should step up to fill the void. Many are rallying behind Opposition Senator Jayanti Lutchmedial, while others support Gowtam Maharaj, the chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation, hoping for fresh leadership to address their concerns.
The constituency, which spans several areas from Number 2 Junction in Barrackpore to the periphery of Princes Town via St Croix Road and parts of Gasparillo towards Williamsville Junction, is among the five largest regions in the country. Unlike many other territories, it has always been a UNC area and has never swayed towards the PNM.
At Williamsville Junction, business owners complained of poor representation, saying issues like crime, flooding, landslips, bad roads, poor drainage, and dilapidated schools have persisted. Businessman Suresh Lallan said crime is the primary concern.
Lallan said, “We need more police around because we are having a lot of crime. They tried to rob businesspeople here. The police shot one of the robbers. They robbed me too, pulling off my chain and bracelet.” He noted that the Opposition seems absent.
“They are not looking after the small people. We need a change. I hope to see Kamla win. Every day we are seeing trouble,” he added.
A supporter of Anita Haynes-Alleyne for the Naparima constituency, Lallan continued, “She speaks her mind, and the truth can offend people. Anita supports us, and she sounds positive. She is young, and people should give her a chance.”
He added, “If something needs to be done, you have to do it yourself. Politicians are not going to help you. You have to develop your own community.”
Another resident, Rezia Sukhansingh, said the roads need to be fixed.
“To repair or replace parts of a vehicle is tough. The cost of living is high, the economy is slow, and you can’t make money anymore. Your budget is tight, and you can’t find the money now to support your family. There is no way to have extra cash because you have to use all your money to pay bills,” she said. She said the sidelined MPs cannot do a proper job unless they have adequate resources.
Meanwhile, Dhropathy Ramnarine said she had also lost faith in politicians.
“Rodney Charles did not perform well. He never came around to find out our concerns. It’s not that he is sidelined; he hasn’t represented us for a long time,” she said.
Ramnarine could not say who she wanted as her MP.
“I cannot say. I have no idea, but whoever it is, we want them to deal with all the drugs and bandits,” she added.
When contacted for comment, Charles said that during his tenure, seven major landslips were repaired. He said 15 neighbourhood crime watch groups were formed. Admitting that he couldn’t do as much as he wanted due to limited resources, Charles said, “That is why I will not be returning. As the Opposition, one has no power, no resources, only the power to advocate.”
However, UNC insiders said there was support for Opposition Senator Jayanti Lutchmedial to become the new Naparima MP.
“She has worked hard for the party, and we think she is a good candidate for this safe seat,” the source said. On the ground, there is growing support among some residents for Penal/Debe Regional Corporation chairman Gowtam Maharaj, who they said has been working to gain votes.
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