Answer to the people or resign, Kamla tells PM

The leader of the United National Congress (UNC) on Monday called on Prime Minister Patrick Manning to reveal what he and Calder Hart discussed or resign.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar was speaking at a political meeting of her party in San Juan.

"What was the nature of your conversation with Calder Hart just before he suddenly resigned and fled the country? We, the people, demand an answer from you!" she said.

"You simply can’t arrogantly reply as Mr. Manning did, “the Prime Minister will not be answering that.” Who do you think you are?...you are a servant of the people elected to the highest office in the land sworn to obey the law and act in accordance with the best interest of the people without fear or favour.

"You are both legally and morally bound to account to the people and we are calling upon you now to account for your actions both as Patrick Manning and Prime Minister."

Read Manning's comments on Calder Hart: Calder Hart not guilty of anything: PM Manning
Also read related story: Kamla asks IC to probe 2 UDeCOTT directors for conflict of interest

Persad-Bissessar also took a turn on Housing minister Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde who has come out in strong defence of the former UDeCOTT executive chairman. She has accused the media and politicians of "hounding" Hart.

Read the story: Minister says TT must be ashamed for "hounding out" Hart
Related story: Minister defends UDeCOTT; Corruption watchdog calls Uff probe a farce

"Let me tell you tonight Madame Minister Dick-Forde, the people are hounding you too! We’re hounding you to find out the answers to the dubious dealings which were allowed to occur," she said.

The opposition leader asked, "Why are you batting for this man so?"

She added, "We the people are hounding you Dick-Forde, we the people are hounding you Patrick Manning, we the people are hounding down the entire Board of UDeCOTT who refuse to resign...we will hound you, and hound you and hound you until you are out of office and into jail if found guilty by the courts for any wrong-doing you might have committed."

Persad-Bissessar also claimed victory against Manning with respect to Manning's claim of discrimination by the UNC in granting state lands to shouter Baptists.

She told the meeting, "Two Friday’s ago, I moved a motion of privilege in the Parliament against Mr. Manning that he had misled the parliament when he said the UNC had given 25 acres of land to one Baptist group when in fact we had given two groups just about 5 acres each.

"The Speaker ruled that I had made out a prima facie case against the PM and referred the matter to the Privileges committee where it has been pending since. Last Friday Mr. Manning admitted that he made an error."

She said it is clear that "we must unite to remove the Manning administration from office and bring in good governance."

And she called on citizens everywhere to stand together on March 27 for a National Day of Reckoning "when we put aside all our political symbols and mount a common platform in protest of what is taking place in our country."

She said, "History will be created and you must be part of it. We have invited all interest groups, activists of various causes from environmental groups to farmers, the labour unions, and all political parties to join this national platform of citizens rights.

"There will be no political symbols, just the voice of the people united in a common cause: to make our rights known and to set our nation right again. That is how the people fight back against all that is happening. That is how we respond to the arrogance and high handed behaviour of the Manning administration."

Persad Bissessar also spoke about a report in the prestigious international publication, Foreign Policy (FP) which carried an article this week about Trinidad and Tobago's narcotics trade and runaway crime.

She quoted from the article: "Over the past decade, Trinidad's murder rate has risen nearly 400 per cent; last year, the rate in the capital city of Port of Spain rivaled those in Johannesburg and Baghdad.

"According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Trinidad and Tobago has become a major transshipment point for illegal substances heading north from South America...

"Unfortunately, the Port of Spain government helps stoke the drug trade and the gangs....the government spends about $400 million per year on make-work projects. The bulk of this money is ultimately funneled to gang leaders, who administer "grants" and distribute "salaries."

Read the report: Trouble in Paradise - what others are saying about TT