Speculation is rife that Senator Emmalin Pierre has her eyes set on contesting the rural St. Andrew South-east in the next general elections
Sen. Pierre was recently promoted as a full Minister in the Ministry of Youth Affairs.

Informed sources told GRENADA that the female Cabinet minister was involved about three weeks ago in a high-level meeting of the ruling New National Party (NNP) government in the constituency involving Prime Minister and Political Leader, Dr. Keith Mitchell.

According to a source who preferred top remain anonymous, the meeting was held at the home of a former police officer and NNP activist in the Mt. Fan area of the constituency. The seat is currently held by Insurance Salesman, Kenrick Fullerton of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) party.

The source said that a number of persons especially youths from Telescope were brought in by busses to attend the political meeting. He spoke of a promise being made to one of the youngsters attending the meeting that he could land a job as a Senator if he threw in his support for Sen. Pierre and the NNP in the constituency in the upcoming poll.

The official sees the move as a clear indication that the hierarchy of the ruling party intends “to feel out the ground” with Sen. Pierre in its efforts to recapture the constituency that it lost in the 2003 general elections. Sen Pierre’s name was first being linked to the St. Andrew North-west seat held by another NDC member, Alleyne Walker.

Prior to this, the NNP work in the constituency was being spearheaded by bus operator, Christopher Stewart. Current Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Lennox “Toes” Andrews was also reportedly approached by the NNP to contest the St. Andrew South-east seat for the party.

Prime Minister Mitchell who governs with a slim 8-7 majority in parliament has until 2008 to call fresh elections in Grenada.