Tuesday February 9th, 2010
- Last update:12 hours 42 min ago
Panday still waiting for Summit invitation
Published: 14 Apr 2009
Up to yesterday there was still a question mark over the matter of invitations to local guests for the summit. The Opposition for instance, had not received a formal invitation to Friday’s opening ceremony of the Fifth Summit of the Americas, Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday confirmed.
Panday said he had not heard anything about an invitation from his secretary. He was uncertain if he would attend the function, if he received an invitation at this 11th hour. He added,“If it is for meaningful participation I would attend—but if it’s only window dressing, then no.” The Office of the Prime Minister, which was said to be in charge of issuing the invitations, yesterday referred queries to the summit secretariat.
That body in turn referred queries to one “Carl Francis at Protocol.” A spokesman at the Protocol section of the secretariat said Francis was in a meeting and they were “working on it.” Meanwhile, instead of any holiday for the event, Government offices west of the Lady Young Road in Morvant—including those in Port-of-Spain—will be closed on Friday. However, Government division branches in other parts of the country will be open. Some bank branches and other divisions are also closing on Friday.
I think this is quite
I think this is quite shameful not to invite the Opposition leader regardless of who he is. As I can see we still have little boys as rulers of this country. It certainly shows how mature the Prime Minister is. I don't think Panday or anyone should ask or have to beg for an invitation. Sad that Prime Ministers and Presidents have their invitations in hand months ago. But let Manning know that what goes around comes around.
The situation speaks volumes
The situation speaks volumes about both men. The PM shows his narrow side, while Panday is seen as a spent force not worthy of respect. Panday may indeed be irrelevant as a politician but the PM by showing such blatant disregard for the man shames the the honor of the Office of Opposition in a parliamentary democracy.
It is human to harbor petty thoughts but disgraceful to show in high office.
Is this the same Basdeo
Is this the same Basdeo Panday who told all of Trinidad & Tobago that the summit was a colossal waste of tax payer's dollars? Is this the same Basdeo Panday who said that given all the social ills in the country, the country would be better off without having the summit? This position was later parroted by his party. Is this the same Basdeo Panday who now checking his mailbox regularly for an invitation?
I submit that if an invitation is issued at the very last second, Basdeo Panday would rush down there. With all the opposition he is facing in the opposition, he needs anything and everything possible to appear to have even the slightest piece of importance. Keep checking your mailbox silver out-foxed, you may yet get your invitation.
Marchalison I concur with
Marchalison I concur with your comments about Panday. I carry no brief for this troglodytic politician whose best before date has expired a long time ago.
The issue is more about the respect of a designated office than about the person who occupies that chair.
As the worn cliche goes keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
One of an infinite number of characteristics that makes a leader outstanding is the ability to show grace and respect to the Office if not the individual.The Voice of the Opposition is the voice of the people and sometimes through wisdom and skill one can support the democratic structure by adroit manipulation making it transparent that the instrument of that Voice is politically discordant.The delay of the invitation by the PM could be that strategic manipulation, unfortunately, it is backfiring because the timing is out of whack.