FORMER Mayaro MP Rushton Paray said he is sticking with the United National Congress (UNC) although rejected as a candidate for the April 28 general election.
In this vein, he said, he will not be filing nomination papers on April 4 to contest the seat as an independent candidate, despite the urgings of some constituents.
In an April 3 release, Paray addressed public speculation about his potential candidacy in the upcoming general election.
"Over the past few days, I’ve received many requests and messages urging me to contest the 2025 general election for Mayaro as an independent candidate.
“After deep reflection and consultation with my family, I have decided not to take that path. I know this will disappoint many of you, and I am truly sorry.”
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His decision, he clarified is “In the interest of unity and stability.”
He said he has, “chosen not to respond to these calls. I understand the frustration and emotional impact this decision may have on my supporters. I thank you sincerely for your continued loyalty and belief in my leadership.”
Paray underscored that real political maturity means, “standing by what you believe is right — even when it’s not the popular thing to do.”
He expressed gratitude to the people of Mayaro for their trust and support over the last decade, calling his time in Parliament the greatest honour of his life.
The UNC has chosen Nicholas Morris as its standard bearer in Mayaro.
Paray is among a slew of former MPs benched in favour of some newbies and seasoned politicians.
He was among five MPs branded as dissidents, who fought the party’s 2024 internal election on an alternative slate and found themselves sidelined after their defeat.
He and Anita Haynes-Alleyne were the only two who expressed a desire to continue representing the party in the Parliament and offered themselves as 2025 candidates. Both were rejected.
Former Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally and Cumuto Manzanilla Dr Rai Ragbir resigned from the party. The fifth radical MP Rodney Charles announced his retirement from politics long before the election was called.
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