(Trinidad Express) Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and candidate for Diego Martin West, implored members of the public to restrict their celebrations at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Rowley speaking to reporters after voting at the International School in Westmoorings shortly after 9am, urged party supporters not to gather at Balisier House this evening as the building is currently under construction and to also observe the Covid 19 guidlines.
“We do not want a good election campaign to be spoiled by large gatherings, which can cause the spread of the virus. Celebrate in small groups at a friend’s home, as I know there will be reason to celebrate, but we must be responsible at all times.”
The prime minister said he was pleased that his party ran an effective campaign, during the pandemic and all candidates were able to connect with the public, virtually. He also noted that the process was quick and smooth and thanked the EBC officials for making the exercise flawless in a time of the pandemic. Questioned on whether he was furnished with information about a prisoner who tested positive at the Frederick Street prisons, Rowley said he was not aware of such development and called on citizens to be careful on how they are sharing information on social media as it can be misleading.
Meanwhile, United National Congress (UNC) candidate for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal says the high voter turnout at polling stations today is an indicator that citizens were ready for change. Moonilal said there were reports of a high voter turnout in Oropouche East. He said the turnout as at mid-morning was higher in comparison to that in the 2015 general election.
Moonilal was speaking to the media before casting his vote at the Gulf View Community Centre on Monday. He said, “So we are very positive that by the end of the day we should poll about 17,000 votes in Oropouche East.” Moonilal said there were minor hiccups as voters complained of being turned away by security guards for wearing certain colour and other minor issues. Moonilal said, however, the UNC had a strong ground campaign and he was confident of victory at the polls. He said the Covid-19 restrictions and virtual campaign did not seem to affect the voting process. He said, “Throughout the country we are getting a huge turnout. We have had a very strong campaign. It was a Covid adjusted campaign so in a way it was an unorthodox political campaign, but clearly it does not seem to have affected the turnout. So this might be the new normal for campaigning in the future.”
Asked whether the recent ruling by Justice James Aboud in the matter involving the Estate Management and Business Development Company has affected his campaign, Moonilal said it had not. He said, “They tried their best with that, it was a timely ruling in that sense but I was not a party to that. I had no application before the court it was other persons before the court had an application to strike out.” Moonilal said the Peoples National Movement was attempting to take him and other UNC members down by any means. But the recent scandals, he said, was like “Dr (Keith) Rowley trying to milk a bull” meaning it was impossible.
