The trek towards political alternatives continues.
Former United National Congress minister Vasant Bharath, who has said a political alternative is necessary, will hold a second forum tomorrow on the “State of Affairs in T&T” featuring speakers from various sectors.
It’s being mounted by “Friends of T&T.”
The group stated the series is being hosted because of the many challenges facing T&T. They said the speakers represent key sector interests and “are willing to propose solutions to these challenges.”
The public forum follows last Saturday’s political column where Bharath’s move towards a political alternative emerged.
When asked if he’d bring a political alternative, he’d replied, ”The economic and social circumstances certainly warrant it. I don’t believe what passes for politics in T&T is acceptable to the majority of people. I refuse to accept mediocrity in a country blessed with abundance of resources. If the UNC refuses to put its house in order as it appears, then like-minded citizens like myself will be forced to look for political alternatives.”
Bharath, who will be the moderator of tomorrow’s session, said yesterday that efforts are aimed at coalescing around a common narrative and aim.
“The country needs a national alternative with committed people who are competent and expert in certain areas and will put T&T and its development first - T&T needs healing and competent hands at the wheel.’’
Bharath sought the UNC leadership in 2020 but was defeated by incumbent leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
He was supported by former UNC frontliners, including Devant Maharaj (who migrated to Canada recently) Ramona Ramdial and others.
He had continued working with youths last year and this year began platforms for young professionals to air their views and awaken interest on their national contributions.
The first event was February 5. They were addressed by professionals in security (Garvin Heerah), law (Jonathan Bhagan), sport (Kelvin Jack), housing (Ibrahim Gorib), entrepreneurship (Stephanie Pemberton), mental health (Dr Haniff Benjamin), Agriculture (Darryl Rampersad), youth (Angelo Hart, ex MSJ officer) culture (Kimba Sorzano), advocacy (Akenna Jubal) and technology ( Raquel Moses).
When the UNC Women’s arm subsequently clashed with former Caroni workers recently, UNC deputy leader David Lee wondered if “Vasant was behind this.” Persad-Bissessar subsequently slammed Bharath. He began legal action to demand a public apology from her and force her to withdraw her remarks from UNC’s social media platforms. She didn’t and his lawyer was due to file an injunction yesterday to make her remove the statements.
Speakers for tomorrow’s meeting at the Centre of Excellence include businessman Robert Amar. He’d acted as a temporary UNC senator in 2020. In January, he led a “Pushback Movement” at the Queen’s Park Savannah protesting COVID-19 measures.
Other speakers are Derron Sandy (2 Cents Movement), The Community Justice Clinic (collaboration between the TTPS and the Law Association), Rekeisha Francois (Progressive Minds Mental Health Clinic), medical marijuana activist Marcus Ramkissoon (whose Trinidad Human Campaign failed to win seats in 2020 elections), Denise Pitcher (executive director Caribbean Centre for Human Rights), Angelo Hart (MSJ Youth Leader) and Nikoli Edwards ( Progressive Party leader).
Sources close to Bharath said he has “signficant” support from COP supporters—mainly East/West corridor—and former UNC/COP cabinet members.
On providing a platform for young professionals to speak on national issues, Bharath says, “It’s to give them voice that’s been hitherto denied them due to insecurities of our political leaders. They feel disempowered, disenfranchised—disconnected from the political process. Many of them are highly qualified and experienced but are scared about the future and angry about the past. They have a rightful place at the decision-making table.”
