Hazel denies endorsing Prime Minister

President of the Network of NGO's of Trinidad and Tobago for the Advancement of Women, Hazel Brown, has denied reports that she has endorsed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in the upcoming general elections. Brown was speaking with the Express yesterday following the launch of the Organisation's 2015 Women's manifesto at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain.

Brown said comments made on Talk City 91.1 fm's 'The Lead' programme earlier this week were misunderstood and were her personal views and not representative of the Network's member organisations.

"The Network hasn't endorsed the Prime Minister. I have a personal relationship with the Prime Minister which everybody knows," she said.

Brown said on the programme that despite not being in agreement with the PM on certain gender issues, she supported Persad-Bissessar.

"That was taken to mean that I endorse her. For me, endorsement is different from saying 'I support her' because women candidates including the Prime Minister must be supported."

"There was no deliberate intention to go and make a statement of endorsement of the Prime Minister," she said. "In the election context, endorsement means certain things and I certainly didn't intend that meaning that was given to what I said."

Brown said host Marcia Braveboy took her comments out of context.

"But that's how she is, everybody knows that."

However Brown said she remains a strong supporter of the PM.

"I have always supported Kamla and I still support her even when she does something I don't agree with."

Speaking at the launch yesterday, Brown said more women need to be in leadership roles but that focus must be placed on the quality of women leaders and not just the quantity. She added that the Network's vision is for Parliament to be made up of 50 per cent women.

Brown said her hope is that a sufficient number of women win their seats in the next election, and that they do not forget their fellow women once they do.

'Don't make empty promises, candidates warned'

Delivering the feature address at yesterday's launch, Senator Joanne Massiah of Antigua and Barbuda warned prospective candidates for the upcoming elections against making campaign promises they cannot keep.

"Do not go around promising things you cannot deliver," she said. "It will ruin your credibility and reputation."

Massiah said women posess the key qualities for leadership but said they must always be true to their word.

She also advised prospective candidates to maintain a visible presence on social media, saying it is through this medium that young voters communicate.

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