JUDY Sookdeo, 52, is fearless as she seeks to win the traditional UNC-stronghold of Debe South for the PNM in the February 7 by-election for that district.
The Prime Minister advised President Paula-Mae Weekes of the by-election date on January 3. The Debe South seat became vacant after the death of UNC councillor Purushottam Singh on February 14, 2021. The district falls under the jurisdiction of the UNC-controlled Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC). There are 12 polling stations in the district.
Sookdeo will challenge the UNC's Khemraj Sunil Seecharan and the Progressive Empowerment Party's (PEP) Lorenzo Sammy. The trio filed their nomination papers at the Elections and Boundaries Commission's returning office at the Shoppes of Debe compound in Debe on January 17.
While Debe South has long been regarded as a UNC political fortress and falls under a corporation that is controlled by the UNC, Sookdeo is not fazed by the challenge she is facing as she makes her debut in electoral politics.
"Debe South is not a traditional PNM seat but I believe nothing is impossible as I seek to appeal to the right-thinking people of Debe South."
"I am campaigning on a platform of a strong plan as well as my ability to represent effectively." Sookdeo is proud to be part of the PNM and its tradition of fielding candidates in every election in Trinidad and Tobago since the party was formed in 1956.
"The people of Debe South have an opportunity to vote for quality representation. Regardless of the odds, one voice can be very significant. One person can make a difference and an impact. I intend to be a fierce advocate for those I represent." Sookdeo believes that being the sole PNM representative in the corporation will bring a fresh perspective to governance, that is based on solid plans and policies.
"I am also solution-oriented and can work with anyone once it results in the job being done for the people I represent." Politics was something that has always interested Sookdeo and it flowed naturally with her passion for community work.
"As a representative, I will have the ability to continue this work and play an active and real role doing further work to assist the people in my region."
A single mother with two children, Sookdeo has lived in both Debe South and Debe North at different times in her life.
"I also commute in this area, I recreate in this area, I have friends and family that live here, I shop here and this is literally where I spend most of my time. I understand this community and the people of this area intimately."
"My main priority is being a good parent and strong role model. These are responsibilities I take very seriously."
[caption id="attachment_937076" align="alignnone" width="398"] Judy Sookdeo, the PNM's candidate for the Debe by-election. -[/caption]
Sookdeo's long-standing beliefs in education and development have fuelled her aspiration to work with children. "This is shown by my own educational pursuits
