Leader of the Opposition Basdeo Panday is calling on citizens to stand up in defence of T&T as it is under threat.In his message to mark the observance of this country’s 47th anniversary as an independent nation, Panday said the threat was not coming from foreign invaders or the colonial masters, but those responsible for the governance of T&T. Panday said the “foundation of our freedom is under attack.” He said over the past eight years, (Prime Minister) Patrick Manning has led an assault on the fundamental human rights and independent institutions in this nation.

Panday said Manning had “directly blocked promotions of public servants and has attempted to bully others into submission.” He said those excesses have been witnessed in the media, adding a multiple of those excesses have been successfully challenged in the court. Panday said the country’s descent into tyranny “is further underscored by Patrick Manning’s blatant disregard for the will of citizens of this nation by his obsession with building aluminium smelters, the Brian Lara Stadium and palatial structures for himself, all at the expense of the struggling taxpayer.”

He described as political gymnastics, alleged moves to prevent the Uff Commission of Enquiry from concluding its investigations into the local construction sector. Panday said the Integrity Commission, Public Service Commission, the police, the judiciary , the offices of the Chief Justice and the Director of Public Prosecutions all continue to crumble under the onslaught of the Government. Panday stressed that in the light of these developments, citizens must once again revive that patriotic spirit to maintain their freedom, sovereignty and fundamental human rights.