Reluctant and curious, I need to ask: does Mr Jack Warner play chess? By resigning his seat (and taking advantage of the clock) he has cleverly maneuvered the PM and her TOP-less partnership into zugzwang.Explanation: This occurs when the cornered opponent (Kamla) has a choice of only two chess moves, either of which results in demolition by the aggressor. Move #1 is the UNC nomination of Warner which may split the country; Move #2 is to let Jack fight and win as an independent. This will humiliate all the PM's pawns.
Coincidentally, from May 6 to 10, Basdeo Panday (a chess player in San Fernando) was due to face Sir David Simmons, chairman of the 1990 enquiry. And this too is impeccable zugzwang! By a published letter to Sir David, he confirms willingness to give evidence. One condition: power to cross-examine every adverse witness including ANR Robinson, Trevor Sudama and Sally Wilson.
Turning quietly to the impending general election, Warner will not need a majority to control Parliament. Jack plus five equals PM. The seats are Winston Peters', Mr de Coteau's, Anil Roberts', plus the Volney and Ramadhar vacancies (to come). The final numbers: 18 +17 + 6 for Warner.
Arthur L McShine
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