UNC plans 'healing' retreat; Warner won't attend

Jack Warner and Ramesh L. Maharaj walked out of Wednesday's national executive meeting and parliamentary caucus of the United National Congress (UNC) following a shouting match involving Warner and political leader BasdeoPanday.

Warner complained that Panday, who chaired the meeting, insulted him and that he felt the meeting had pre-judged him and Maharaj so it was futile trying to explain anything.

"I listened to everybody. I stood up to talk and I made reference to a statement made by Dr Moonilal," Warner told the media.

But Panday disagrees with Warner's version of events. He told reporters he did not insult his deputy leader, explaining that Warner launched an attack on his parliamentary colleague, Dr Roodal Moonilal "stating things that Roodal said were untrue".

Panday said, "I told Roodal not to respond, that was a technique of Mr Warner. He was accusing him of treachery."

He said it is unfortunate that Warner and Maharaj left, adding that after they left "there were free and frank discussions by everybody present".

In the absence of the two the meeting took several decisions including a call on everyone involved in the internal affairs of the party "to desist from making statements in public which are injurious to the Institutions of the Party, including statements critical of Members of the Party." That directive will hold "while differences in the Party are being resolved".

The party also agreed to hold a retreat in Montrose, Chaguanas on April 26 for "free and frank discussions" for healing and strengthening the party. The party has invited members of the national executive (Natex) and the parliamentary caucus to the retreat, which would be under the chairmanship of UNC vice chairman, Vasant Bharath.

Parliamentary Chief Whip Dr Hamza Rafeeq and Chaguanas Mayor Dr Rambachan will coordinate the retreat.

In an immediate response, Warner advised Rafeeq that he won't attend because he has an international commitment which he cannot change. However he said he is ready to assist the party "in whatever way you deem it prudent for me to do so in an effort to make this event the success that it ought to be." He also welcomed the change of chairmanship.

The Chaguanas West MP also pledged to follow the directive to "desist from making statements in public which are injurious to the Institutions of the Party, including statements critical of members of the Party, while differences in the Party are being resolved". He gave the assurance that he would do that immediately, starting with a public meeting planned for Thursday in Arima.