United National Congress (UNC) political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has extended an olive branch to smaller political parties, inactive members, and the wider community to join with her party to “rescue” the country.
Declaring that the UNC is strong and united, Persad-Bissessar also sought to allay concerns about her health and competence.
She told a UNC Convention at Couva South Multi Purpose Hall yesterday: “I know there are many who wish to support, but they are concerned about my health and ability to lead. This is caused by something called perception is reality. That is because the people against the UNC they try to misinform you and create a perception of what is unreal.
“So, I ask today, was it the leader of the UNC who got COVID five times? Was it the leader of the UNC who disappeared for over a month on a medical trip somewhere abroad? I feel good, I feel like Hulk. I am strong. I am ready to take on all comers.”
Persad-Bissessar said over the last several months a UNC team led by Dr Tim Gopeesingh has been actively engaging individuals and groups not aligned with the opposition party. While the discussions had been kept private because many people fear victimisation, she said they have spoken with other political entities, members of civil society, business groups and non-aligned individuals and inactive members.
Persad-Bissesar who led the Peoples Partnership, a political coalition comprising five political parties, and won the general elections in 2010, said there are many people who have ideas, expertise, resources, training and want to help.
“Today I want to recommit to building the broadest and widest working group of persons, UNC and non-UNC, to take Trinidad Tobago forward whether it be this year’s local government elections or whenever the general is called.
“I ask you that when you leave today the headline must be that we will form a union with every segment of society that have been decimated and ignored by the Government. We will form a union as partners to rescue T&T under the banner of the UNC.”
Persad-Bissessar also called for disaffected politically-minded persons to consider joining the UNC.
“Rather than feeling the need to create multiple, small opposition parties which will go nowhere---I know you all want a better T&T---there is a place for you in the UNC. If you want to keep your identity, I have no issue with that but we must have discourse and work together to rescue T&T,” she said.
She appealed for people to put aside egos and differences and begin serious and respectful discussions. However, she said disrespect will not be tolerated.
“I am immediately drawing a red line to any third party, whilst I open the doors extend an olive branch,” she warned. “If you want to work with us or have any type of arrangement, I will not tolerate abuse of the UNC membership. Likewise, the UNC membership must also be respectful of the membership and leadership of the smaller party that wish to speak with us and work with us.”
Stressing that the UNC is not a one-man or one-woman team, Persad-Bissessar urged disgruntled members to support the UNC executive.
“Just say thank you, I love you and how can I help the next batch of promoted leader,” she said.
“You were already given an opportunity by the membership at the top, now it’s time to give back to new leaders. Have some gratitude and grace towards the new leaders of the UNC who the membership elected because they supported you when you were on top.”
The UNC leader efforts must now be spent on attracting new members and converting votes over the next two years. She said the party will launch a first-time voter outreach programme that will educate new voters on the importance of voting and why their first time must be worth something.