?Q: Mrs Persad-Bissessar, aren't you biting off more than you can chew in attempting to wrest control of the United National Congress from the very formidable Basdeo Panday...to take away his party?
A: (Seated at the conference table in Committee Room 2 in the Parliament building, last Tuesday afternoon): Clevon, I am prepared, and that's why I deliberately took time to make this decision. But in terms of "his party," this is not about Panday and Kamla...It is about this country.
Isn't this akin to a battle between David and Goliath?
(Smiling broadly): What can I say? That is an interesting comment...very interesting.
This morning, former head of the Public Service and Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, Reginald Dumas, said UNC members had to choose the person who was best capable of winning over the electorate in a general election;...do you share that analysis?
Yes. The issue is the one they see best able to unite the forces to beat the PNM. Therefore, to become the Prime Minister, I know that I can be that unity magnet; I have the capability and the experience to do so.
Mrs Persad-Bissessar, you did say you would not be dealing with personalities in this campaign, but surely, don't you think that Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj also has that unity magnet?
No. I don't think so. I don't believe he has demonstrated the capability of being a unity magnet.
Mr Panday?
He has done so in the past, but certainly Mr Maharaj has not done so, and his track record will show that.
When did Mr Panday lose his appeal?
There has been a sort of machination and vilification of Mr Panday. The PNM has been very much behind those machinations, although he himself has admitted he had become politically unattractive. And even if that is the work of the PNM, in politics perception is the reality. He has said that on public platforms; he has said that in the media...It is public knowledge.
After making that open confession, why do you believe Panday is still holding on to office..?
(A sombre expression) I am sure that is a question you would want to ask Mr Panday.
I think you are qualified to answer, knowing him more than most of us..?
I would not speculate on that... I will not read his mind on that.
You are being politically correct; aren't you, Mrs Persad-Bissessar?
No. Really (chucking) I will not read his mind on that.
Very well. What do you see as the main issues in this campaign?
First of all, which candidate has the ability to bring the people together. I have the experience and the track record to show that I have remained steadfast to my party. By the way, my own party appointed me to head a team to deal with unity of the forces opposed to the PNM. So the party's executive has reposed full confidence in me.
How prepared are you, Mrs Persad-Bissessar, to handle the mud-slinging and muckraking, should they be thrown in your direction?
(Adjusting her position on the swivel chair) In two ways I have prepared myself for that. One, I have gained experience over the years. I made mistakes over the years, but I have also matured along the way. Secondly, before making this decision, I discussed it with my family, recognising it will not be easy...that the stones will come. So I have prepared myself with prayers and discussions with my family.
I expect the best and I expect the worst.
(Breaking into a laugh) But Clevon, what new can they say about me that has not yet been said?
You said perhaps some of your responses to certain issues might have been inappropriate, but what have you learned from those mistakes?
At first, I used to be very upset, crying when I read any bad things about me, or when people say bad things about me. Now I have learnt..... (Pausing)
No woman no cry...?
(Laughs) No woman no cry. I learnt that is part of the politics, part of the political turf. You just have to take it; you cannot escape it, but don't let it distract you.
If we can look briefly at the Hindu culture. Isn't it a sort of doctrine that a woman must pay homage to her guru. In your case, Mr Panday. Aren't you going against that doctrine?
(Swift response) One of the great philosophies is that when the guru teaches, you learn from the guru. The guru doesn't teach you everything, and therefore you have to make your own way in some respects. But when they teach you they want you to do well and they want you to excel.
With that in mind, do you feel Panday would happily accept your candidacy for leadership of the party?
Again, you will have to ask him that question (laughs). I cannot read. But (serious countenance) he has stood for democracy; he has stood for one man one vote in the party, which is very innovative in the local politics.
Mrs Persad-Bissessar, some commentators have raised the possibility of the election not being fair...Do you share their concerns?
Those concerns have been expressed to me, but I have no direct evidence of fraudulent activity at this time.
From your vantage point, is there such a possibility of that happening, thereby spoiling your chances at the polls?
I would hope not, and I trust not, and I don't expect that to happen. I expect the party to hold dear the constitutional principles of democracy and one man one vote.
Mrs Persad-Bissessar, at your campaign meeting last night, several of the platform speakers referred to you as the next Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Do you see yourself in that role?
I do believe I can run my party, and I do believe I can run this country, but I can only do it with a good team.
This is the first time a woman is running for the opportunity to lead a major political party in this country; do you believe being a woman would work against you?
I know it will work for me. Trinbagonians are a very smart people. They are ready for a prime minister who is capable and competent to improve their quality of life. It's not simply a woman issue or a man issue. Of course, that is important, but women try to be more tolerant and work together, because women are more compassionate than men, who are historically viewed as being aggressive.
So this is not a woman campaign per se?
It is not. Of course, I cannot deny my womanhood. It is who could be the most competent Prime Minister.
