There was joy but also anger and discontent among PNM supporters last night after Minister of Tourism Randall Mitchell was selected to represent the constituency of La Brea. Joy from Mitchell's supporters but anger from supporters of Jermel Pierre who also faced the screening committee and hoped to get the nod for La Brea.

Shortly before 8 pm, after Mitchell was announced as the PNM's candidate for La Brea, a visibly disappointed Pierre made his way to the arms of his wife.

Pierre, who about 20 minutes earlier had exited Balisier House looking nervous, told reporters a decision had not been made at that time. After a brief huddle and embrace with his wife, he re-entered the building.

Mitchell, on the other hand, was all smiles as he exited Balisier House. Confirming he had been selected for the seat, he was mobbed by jubilant supporters. Nearby, supporters of Pierre could only watch on while some of them steupsed as they looked at Mitchell as he was being interviewed by reporters.

The beating of drums and loud screams were heard as Mitchell was mobbed by dozens of supporters, while Pierre disappeared around the corner to chat with his disappointed supporters, who had earlier been hopeful as they spoke to the media.

One supporter of Pierre, a long-time friend named Deryck, told Newsday he was supporting Pierre due to his passion to help the community.

"He came from a less fortunate home and made something of himself. He’s always had a desire to represent his constituency and he cares for the less fortunate in La Brea," a supporter said.

That supporter described Mitchell as failure who had done nothing in the last five years.

"He was a failure in that constituency. He lives in that constituency, so if you fail as a representative for your area, what do you think will happen in an area where you have no connections? We want a representative with a heart and a connection to the community who will truly fight for us, and that is Pierre."

Pierre, in his concession address, called on his supporters to now throw their support behind Mitchell saying the PNM is the better party to lead this country.

Pierre described the screening process as being well-run despite not being selected. "We weren't victorious in the sense that my candidacy was not selected to represent the constituency, but I continue to be of service."

He expressed his political wish for La Brea to be represented with the vigour and heart it deserves and then wished Mitchell well.

"I could only hope that the representation the people of La Brea get would be one that we can be proud of. The reality is people are crying out for effective representation." Incumbent La Brea MP Stephen Mc Clashie did not seek to be re-selected for the seat.

Pierre encouraged his supporters to keep their heads up, saying it was only one of many avenues in which he can serve, and it was not the only way. Pierre also thanked his wife for her unwavering support.

"It’s just not God’s plan at the moment. He has bigger things in store for me. We move on, we so