Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Twelve United National Congress (UNC) MPs have so far thrown their support behind political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
This follows a press conference by Mayaro MP Rushton Paray at the Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce Conference Hall on Friday, where he demanded that Kamla Persad-Bissessar call the Natex election when it’s due in June.
So far, Naparima MP Rodney Charles and Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Rai Ragbir agree with Paray and have given him their support.
Guardian Media reached out to the 15 other MPs, 12 of whom have endorsed the stance of Persad-Bissessar. Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally declined to comment, while attempts to reach two others, Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes and Chaguanas East MP Vandana Mohit, were unsuccessful.
Deputy political leader and Oropouche East MP, Dr Roodal Moonilal assured that internal elections will be held according to the party’s constitution.
“There has been no discussion or decision to postpone any elections. Regrettably, MP Paray had a public discourse on this matter, which is premature and can only seek to destabilise and undermine the party and, in so doing, fully assist fully the PNM.”
He said, “We have been able to place the Rowley Government on the back foot, and we are in pole position to return to national office. This is not a time to play the fool. Our country’s future is at stake.”
Princes Town MP Barry Padarath said Paray’s attacks against the political leader were unwarranted and baseless. “Rushton Paray is a political neophyte and a coward who is only interested in internal elections to further his misguided and warped political ambition,” he said. As a member of the current executive, he said they are engaged in preparations for a general election.
He said Paray was in for a hell of a ride if he thinks that the UNC will be allowed to fall into the hands of the PNM.
Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh gave this advice to his colleague, “Don’t rush the brush, and at the end of the day, all decisions in politics are guided by party discipline and collective responsibility, and I am sure that the UNC will continue to go forward as a disciplined party in dealing with the PNM Government.
Reminding his colleagues that at this time they must remain focused on key issues affecting people and the “uncaring” PNM Government, Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram said, “Attempting to divert our focus and attention away from the key issues affecting our citizens, without any rationale, is completely absurd, selfish, and reckless. These actions should be viewed as self-motivated, mischievous, and malicious and should be ignored by all.”
Caroni East MP Rishad Seecheran said the political leader has exhibited an incomparable track record of championing the democratic ideals that are fundamental to their cause, and therefore, the issue of internal elections holds no relevance at this time.
‘Timing extremely curious’
Oropouche West MP Davendranath Tancoo, meanwhile, said the timing of Paray’s action was extremely curious and misinformed. Noting that the UNC internal elections is not due for several months, he said, “I have no issue with anyone having ambitions to lead. However, to call a press conference to attack the Natex and leadership of the UNC at a time when it is already publicly known that the PNM is in general election mode, as is the UNC and every other political party, suggests another motive.” He urged his colleagues to put their ambitions aside and continue the work towards removing the PNM Government from office.
St Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen said, “I think Mr Paray is so misguided to try to destabilise the party when we are in the midst of preparation for a general election.
Noting that nominations close off on April 11, she said, “I think for Mr Paray to ask the membership of the UNC to drop all of our preparations for general election and focus on an internal elections not even due because he says so, to me it is playing in the hands of the PNM. My question to him is whether he is UNC or PNM.”
Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein said all arms of the party’s machinery are preparing to confront the imminent general election to remove the “worst Government in our nation’s history,” but certain officials are trying to distract from that goal. Having served from a street captain to a youth officer and then MP, he reminded others that they cannot hope to ascend to the levels of leadership as “one must first creep before one can walk.”
Caroni Central MP Arnold Ram had some questions for Paray.
“What has my colleague done for the UNC in the last nine years? Which marginal has he worked in? What if any resources he provided or brought to the party?”
He implored Paray to read the party’s constitution or have his attorneys interpret it for him.
Deputy Political Leader and Pointe-a-Pierre MP David Lee said the executive has been functioning with intensity given the inroads the party made in the last local government elections, and they must remain “laser-focused” on the only political enemy, which is the PNM.
Having served as deputy political leader in the previous Natex, Fyzabad MP Lackram Boodram said he can attest to the extent to which the leadership of Persad-Bissessar has transformed and improved the UNC.
“Additionally, there has been no indication from the Natex regarding any postponement of internal elections,” he added.
Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin also indicated her support for Persad-Bissessar.
In response to Paray, Persad-Bissessar said elections will be governed by the party’s constitution. “You have some wannabes; I wish them good luck, and I say we remain committed to the party’s constitution. We follow the party’s constitution, and anyone who wants to jump the gun will wait their turn. Now is not the time for that. We must stay laser-focused on doing what we can to rescue the people of this country.”