By Andre Bagoo Saturday, January 12 2013

HIGH-LEVEL officials of the PNM yesterday held a strategy planning meeting with all of the PNM candidates who will be contesting the Tobago House of Assembly elections on January 21, including Belle Garden East/ Roxborough/ Delaford candidate, Hilton Sandy.

The meeting was held yesterday morning at the John Dial Community Centre, Scarborough.

PNM officials who met at the Community Centre, included: Tobago Council leader Orville London, PNM deputy political leader (party and elections) Joan Yuille-Williams, PNM San Juan Laventille Regional Corporation chairman Nafeesa Mohammed; former Agriculture Minister Joseph Ross, former Minister of Education Esther Le Gendre (who has a background in communications). All of the THA election candidates were also in attendance.

Newsday understands that the candidates were briefed on the contents of the PNM manifesto which is to be released in coming days.

“The meeting was to speak to our candidates, and to ensure everybody is aware of the contents of the manifesto. It was a briefing session,” London said.

Sandy met with London and the team of advisers in a room adjoining the hall of the community centre for about half an hour from 11.30 am. Asked by Newsday about his meeting with London, a testy Sandy said, “I am not speaking with the media; I have been speaking with the media too much.”

Asked if he would speak at the PNM’s rally planned for Roxborough on Sunday, as advertised in notices about the event, Sandy, the Assemblyman for the polling district of Belle Garden East / Roxborough / Delaford, said, “Ask the political leader Mr London that.” He said he had other things to do, and would answer no further questions.

London yesterday said Sandy remains on the line-up to speak. “I think his chances are good,” London said. On Thursday evening, speaking with the media at the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Lowlands, after a historic debate of political leaders ahead of the election, London said, “Mr Sandy is a member of the team, and he will be utilised as the team sees fit. He has not been dropped from the team.” London said the party would focus on gathering information and intensifying its campaign in coming days.

Sandy is listed as being among the speakers due to address the crowd on Sunday, at the Cyd Gray Stadium in Roxborough, alongside PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley, and PNM Providence/Mason Hall/Moriah candidate, Sheldon Cunningham.

Before yesterday’s strategy meeting with London, Sandy was more vocal in the press.

On Wednesday, Sandy spoke with Newsday saying, “I have completed my nomination with the EBC, my papers were checked and are in order, and I am about my work canvassing in the district. And I could tell you, the people love me.” On Thursday, he also granted further newspaper interviews.