UNC Cumuto Manzanilla MP Dr Rai Ragbir says the fact that he was not told about Monday’s UNC budget consultation in his constituency, has given him a clear idea of what his chances are as a candidate in the upcoming general election.
Ragbir was blanked by the party for its budget talks.
“Neither myself, my office staff, nor the constituency executive were told or invited to the UNC’s budget consultation at SWAHA Hindu School in my own constituency. The UNC has excluded and alienated me from the party and my constituents,” Ragbir said yesterday.
And three of the four other MPs—who, like Ragir, supported Mayaro MP Rushton Paray’s United Patriots in UNC’s June executive elections—also won’t be featured at the party’s budget consultations in their constituencies ahead.
The eight consultations held so far have been presided over by MPs for the respective areas. On Monday, a consultation held in San Juan/Barataria was headed by MP Saddam Hosein. But Cumuto/Manzanilla’s budget consultation was presided over by Sangre Grande Regional Corporation chairman Kenwyn Phillip.
It featured contributions from financial/business expert Dr Balraj Kistow and management consultant Dr Kerry Sumesar-Rai. The UNC stated that Kistow, a lecturer at Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, grew up in Plum Mitan in Cumuto/Manzanilla and has over 30 years of business management experience. Sumesar-Rai, among other backgrounds, was a TTPost general manager and head of the Police Service Commission Secretariat.
However, Ragbir said, “I wasn’t invited or asked to speak on Monday, and that’s my constituency. It’s in poor taste and total disrespect not only for the sitting MP but showing scant courtesy for the office staff who work diligently on the public’s behalf and the executive who works on the party’s behalf. My constituents were also treated poorly since they’d have wanted to see and hear from their MP on the upcoming budget.”
Ragbir said he knew there was a budget consultation in San Juan on Monday but did not know about the one in his area.
He added, “It’s very sad, disheartening. I’m now clear on the UNC’s position on where I stand. I’ll continue serving the people whether I’m ‘thrown out’ indirectly. But I’ll work to the end of my term, and the party will decide what they want to do with my political future.”
He said he will continue serving the people of the country. He declined to say if he will work via another party.
Ragbir said he had paid his $1,000 nomination fee in cash. No date for screening has been announced, though UNC officials hint it may begin in August. UNC deputy leaders Jearlean John, David Lee and Roodal Moonilal did not reply to queries on the Cumuto meeting.
Phillip maintained that Ragbir was invited and information was issued in UNC chat groups. When told of a Guardian Media story where Lee said he had removed Ragbir from UNC chats, Phillips said there were other chat groups where information is shared.
Ragbir said he was still awaiting word on the disciplinary team matter, after he voted with the Government in June on the whistleblower bill.
Ragbir added, “I find it foolhardy as there are other people with issues in the party, and because of a vote to represent people’s welfare, I’m being reprimanded.
“As a Christian, I do what I have to in the public’s interest. I put everything and my future in God’s hands.”
Paray, Charles, Rambally out of UNC budget consultations
Paray said initially he wasn’t informed of UNC’s Mayaro Budget consultations. “I found out, like the rest of T&T, that it was scheduled for August 14. I wrote to the chairman and general secretary, advising that the date was bad for me as I’ll be overseas. I offered to assist if needed. None was requested. As of today, I remain committed to my party and ready to assist if needed,” Paray added.
Charles didn’t comment. Sources close to him confirmed he was neither consulted nor in any way involved in the timing, agenda, or invitees for Naparima’s budget meeting. Charles will be overseas then.
They added that while UP team members aren’t involved in the consultations, it was “amusing” that UNC’s leadership had spoken of unity and reconciliation. Rambally wasn’t available yesterday.
Officials confirmed he had not been consulted or told anything about Chaguanas West budget consultations. Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes-Alleyne did not answer queries.