LEFT: John Donaldson, Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Orville London
TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: May 27, 2007
Posted: June 01, 2007
Under the election-oriented theme, "Prepared and Ready", the Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua was transformed into a sea of red as the People's National Movement held its 11th Annual Sports and Family Day last Sunday 27 May, 2007. Thousands of party supporters from the various constituencies came out to participate in and witness the various activities including a march past, football, all fours, dominoes, athletic races and novelty events. Some of the themes for the march past included " Tribute to Lara", "Clean Sweep", "A Tribute to CEPEP", "Be Successful", "Frontline", "Reflections Then and Now" and "Energy and Industrialization Alive". Famous flag bearer, Peter 'Flagman' Diaz, led the PNM delegation to an inspection of the march past teams. Winner of the 2007 march past for the second year running was the Point-a-Pierre constituency who presented the theme "Long Live the PNM".
The blazing sun and the dusty Savannah did not seem to reduce the enthusiasm of the PNM faithful, but drinking water was in high demand in dealing with the heat. Supporters sported red PNM jerseys bearing the theme "Prepared and Ready" and other political slogans such as "Industrialisation, Bringing More Opportunity; Improving Your Life." One supporter even jokingly chided a friend for wearing a red jersey with a logo of a popular grocery instead of an authentic red PNM jersey. Authentic or not, red apparel was very dominant and red balisier-emblazoned flags were attached to the many white tents around the grounds.
With the impending national elections quite apparent, the 'surprise' of the afternoon, ex-UNC senator and businessman, Anil Juteram, took to the stage to address the masses of PNM supporters. Juteram, who twice unsuccessfully contested the Toco/Manzanilla seat for the UNC in 2000 and 2001, told the crowd that he was, "...not here to 'bad talk' anyone or to cause conflict," but to talk the truth. Juteram went on to say that he has seen party financiers having their way and that he has also seen parties putting the country and citizens at risk by voting to allow kidnappers to get bail, (and) allowing illegal guns to roam the streets, a reference no doubt in relation to the UNC's refusal to support the PNM's anti-crime legislation. He said that he has, "...grown tired and ashamed to see educated people in politics like crabs in a barrel, fighting amongst themselves." He told the crowd that the government senators always showed him respect and even embraced him. He said he never felt as if money, class, race or caste was an issue and highlighted his pride in seeing the waterfront project on stream. He praised the PNM and Patrick Manning for being an indigenous party and an indigenous leader, "...bent on uplifting the lives of people of all walks of life," and for making decisions that only a man with guts can make.
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honorable Mr. Patrick Manning, walked on stage to the sounds of accompanying Tassa drummers. Addressing the crowd of red-clad supporters, Manning described the PNM as one of the greatest things to have emerged as part of the decolonization movement in the last century and said that while other parties are "...not fit to walk, run or govern" the PNM is the "...meanest political machine in town." In a wide ranging address, Manning emphasized the government's plans in relation to the youth, mentioning the plans to expand the education system from early childhood straight up to university. Congratulating law enforcement agencies for cracking the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman case, Mr. Manning said that criminals are on the run and warned that, "No one is above the law." Manning also made mention of several projects including the waterfront development, the Academy for the Performing Arts, the Carnival Center (Queen's Park Savannah) project, the Prime Minister's residence and the rapid rail system. To loud applause Mr. Manning closed off his address exclaiming, "Great is the PNM and it shall always prevail."
Also providing entertainment for the large crowd was magician Alcazam, Soca singer Vybe, Ms. Aleisha, Falcro, and Heeralal Rampartap. Many businessmen, party activists, PNM Cabinet Ministers and high profile PNM officials were seen mingling in the Eddie Hart Grounds. These included Selwyn Cudjoe, Martin Joseph, Mayor Murchison Brown, Randy Glasgow, Hindu Credit Union President Harry Harnarine, Rose Janniere, Ray Brathwaite, Muhammad Shabazz and Noel Garcia.
PNM Sports and Family Day 2007 in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=181871
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