The new executive of the opposition United National Congress (UNC) took office Wednesday afternoon in a simple ceremony at the party's headquarters at Rienzi Complex in Couva.Outgoing leader Basdeo Panday was absent along with members of the old guard.
Also absent was deputy leader Dr Suruj Rambachan, who left on a private trip to Miami shortly after the election and Education Officer. Dr Daphne Phillips arrived after the speeches.
Only one member of the team that ran with Panday in Sunday's election won a place on the national executive.
Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal, who was elected one of the three UNC deputy leader, arrived late and took his place among the members of the executive while the leader was delivering her inaugural address.
He refused to applaud as Persad-Bissessar praised Chairman Jack Warner for his tireless efforts with the Movement for Change that helped "bring us to this day."
However he joined his colleagues later when Persad-Bissessar invited everyone to "come home to the UNC and bring the rest of the family."
The full executive received thunderous applause as Moonilal held hands with Persad-Bissessar, signalling that the healing she promised has begun. The entire team joined hands before retiring to its first meeting.
The leader invited the audience to wish Warner a happy birthday. The chairman turned 67 on Tuesday.
See other inauguraation stories:
Warner heralds new era, invites everyone to be part of new UNC
Kamla takes charge of the UNC, praises the media
The new UNC executive
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