Manning Successor Mitchell humbled, ready to start campaignhttp://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Successor-Mitchell-humbled-ready-to-start-campaign-291470651.htmlAttorney and businessman Randall Mitchell feels humbled by his selection as the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) candidate for San Fernando East in this year’s general election.
Mitchell, 36, has replaced Patrick Manning, the PNM’s former leader, former prime minister and the country’s and constituency’s longest-serving MP since 1971.
He was announced as the PNM’s choice for the party’s stronghold on Monday night, following the screening of nominees at the party’s regional office South, Navet Road, San Fernando.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Mitchell, of Cocoyea, San Fernando, said he was humbled he was selected and thanked Manning for paving the way for him.
He added he was “a bit nervous”.
Mitchell said yesterday that speaking with Manning, whom he described as a “political resource”, was a priority.
Mitchell leaves the country today on a pre-scheduled trip but returns in a week’s time. He said as soon as he returns, he will start getting prepared for his campaign.
Mitchell had nine nominations from party groups. He said he will have to speak
to party groups and constituents before the campaign.
“Also, I will have to start building the campaign team and as a group, we will come
up with some strategies and we will go from there,” he said.
Mitchell said: “Mr Manning has represented. He has excelled as a representative and the truth is he has made it very easy for me as a successor. In terms of San Fernando, Mr Manning’s plan for San Fernando East and the country is to become a developed nation by 2020, so we will continue to seek that sort of development and we will look at the plans.”He added: “Maybe, some plans are not applicable at this time, having regard to the economic situation and the changed circumstances that we now face, and we will have to look at them and
we will make decisions.
“At the end of the day, I represent the constituents and we have to consult with the people, listen to the people and do as the people suggest.”
Unlike other candidates who may want to focus on improving infrastructure in their area, Mitchell said what San Fernando needed most was for communities to be empowered to deal with issues.
Mitchell said: “Getting the communities empowered to take care of their own problems, to find the solution to chart their own course, I think that is what we really have to build on, the village councils, residential associations, that sort of thing, so that people can really take care of their own problems and not expect some Government or some messiah to come and fix their problems for them. Building communities, building the network throughout the constituency, that is what ought to be in programme first.”
Mitchell said he already has a good relationship with the PNM-dominated San Fernando City Corporation, which should give an added boost to his campaign.
Best for the party
PNM’s general secretary Ashton Ford told reporters on Monday: “Mr Mitchell is an active member of the San Fernando East constituency. He is the elections officer. He has served as co-ordinator for two constituencies before.
“He is well known within the party and he is an attorney-at-law and a businessman, and we believe that he is the best person at this point in time to represent the party in San Fernando East.”