Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Panday will leave "with Joy" in his heart if UNC chooses another leader

Baseo Panday says he is not bothered about the challenges he faces for the leadership of the United National Congress (UNC), telling reporters that the party is showing maturity and that democracy is alive in the UNC.

Panday made the comments Monday in response to questions about the challenge to his leadership from Tabaquite MP Ramesh. L. Maharaj and the possible challenge from Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Panday also brushed aside suggestions that there could be a split in the party if he faces several challengers.

“That won’t happen. This is simply the democratic process unfurling itself and we have got to learn to allow the people to choose their leaders—and people are learning to, believe me,” he said.


In his address at the party's Monday Night Forum, Panday spoke on the theme of constitutional reform and appealed for unity, which he said is the only force that could open the way for the UNC to return to government.

The former prime minister said he has been making several attempts to have unity talks with Congress of the People (COP) leader Winston Dookeran, but his efforts so far have been in vain.

Panday suggested that Dookeran is waiting to see there is going to be a new UNC leader after the January 24, 2010 internal election.

“Maybe he is waiting for a change in the leadership where he can meet with someone he believes he could wrap around his hand,” he said.


Panday returned to his people theme and stated that if Dookeran and other leaders don't want unity at the leadership level, the people would have to unite at the ground level.

He reiterated that his team for the internal election would have people with whom he could work.

And he also showed willingness to leave if the people reject him, saying he would go “with joy” in his heart.
But he cautioned UNC members to choose wisely when they go to the voting booth to decide on their new leader.

“Do not let this party fall into the hands of international con men. Do not let this party fall unto the hands of those who will collect millions of dollars on your behalf, the party’s behalf and then refuse to account for it,” he said without naming names but obviously referring to UNC deputy leader Jack Warner.

Panday is on record as saying that Warner collected $30 million on behalf of the party and has refused to account for it. Warner has denied the charge and has asked Panday to provide the evidence to support his slanderous charge.

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai