Padarath waiting for clearance to come home

PRINCES Town MP Barry Padarath on Monday said he is still waiting to be granted an exemption from the National Security Ministry to return to TT. Padarath, who is in Florida, left TT in March before the borders were closed to prevent the spread of the covid19 pandemic. He applied to the ministry for an exemption on June 11.

Padarath told Newsday, " I have received a generic response acknowledging the receipt of my request from the corporate communications unit (of the ministry)." He said the ministry advised him "that the matter is being reviewed and I will be advised some time in the near future."

Padarath added he was not told of a specific time frame within which he could expect a reply.

He said, "I hope that my matter will be treated expeditiously like that of (TT Permanent Representatives to the UN) Penny Beckles (-Robinson)."

Padarath added. "All I'm asking for is equality of treatment."

Padarath said he was advised that Beckles-Robinson applied for her exemption to return home on May 25. He said it was reported that Beckles-Robinson returned to TT on June 10. National Security Minister Stuart Young last week said Beckles-Robinson would undergo quarantine upon her return for 14 days at her expense. The PNM screened nominees for Arima on Sunday and Beckles-Robinson was chosen as the PNM candidate for Arima. Beckles-Robinson was Arima MP from 2000-2010

Padarath said he had been in touch with UNC general secretary Dave Tancoo about his situation. On Sunday, Padarath said he would be advised by the party when nominees for Princes Town would be screened. He also said Tancoo told him some UNC nominees for other seats were screened virtually by Zoom because they could not be physically present. Padarath has filed his nomination papers for Princes Town.

To date, the UNC has chosen Sean Sobers (San Fernando West), Kenya Charles (St Ann's East), Alhoy Hunt (St Joseph), Tarharqa Obika (Point Fortin), Marsha Riley-Walker ( Diego Martin West), John Ricardo Laquis (Diego Martin Central), Eli Zakour (Diego Martin North/East), Curtis Orr (Port of Spain South), David Nakhid (Tunapuna) and Darren Garner(Port of Spain /St Ann's West). The party has not chosen any candidate for any of the 18 seats the Opposition has in the House of Representatives.