Hundreds turn up at PM’s home to finalise rally plans

Hundreds of people flocked to the Prime Minister’s private home on Tuesday night. Sources said the purpose of the gathering was to discuss the final preparations for the celebration of the People’s Partnership’s second anniversary, which takes place later today at Mid Centre Mall in Chaguanas.

The meeting, which began shortly after 8 pm at the PM’s home in Phillipine, south Trinidad, was attended by members of four of the five parties which form the coalition government. On Monday, leader of the MSJ David Abdulah criticised the Government and announced that his party would not take part in today’s celebrations.

More than 350 people attended the mobilisation meeting. Also attending were Works and Infrastructure Minister Jack Warner, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, deputy leader of the COP Anirudh Mahabir and TOP leader Ashworth Jack. Also present were members of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC).

Sources said COP leader Prakash Ramadhar was expected to attend but had to attend to an emergency. Persad-Bissessar, who returned home on Tuesday after an overnight stay at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, Barbados, did not take part in the meeting.

However, she made a brief appearance to greet members of the gathering. Despite her health concerns, she is expected to speak at tonight’s celebrations. Members of the media were not allowed into the meeting.