Moonilal heads UNC unity team

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced on Monday that she has appointed a three-member team to develop and propose to the UNC leadership a comprehensive policy position and a unity framework.

The committee comprises the party's three deputy leaders - Roodal Moonilal, Lyndira Oudit and Suruj Rambachan. Moonilal is the team leader.

Persad-Bissessar said the Moonilal team is in the process of working on a report and she promised that when it is submitted, the National Executive and all arms of the party will have their say.

She said once that is done she intends to engage the broad membership and the general public "in our deliberations on this very important issue" on national unity.

Persad-Bissessar explained that the UNC's vision includes objectives and strategies to address the wider problems of the society, which is why there is an urgent need for unity.

"I have noticed within the last few days, a certain disquiet within and outside the Party regarding the issue of political unity...I publicly reiterate my unflinching commitment to political unity," she said.

The UNC leader noted that some members and members of other political parties "are engaging themselves in unofficial discussions, on the unity issue". She said she would like to encourage such discussions.

She said she is "acutely aware" of the eagerness to conclude unity discussions given the time lines in terms of the impending local government elections and the important National Elections.

However she observed that the process involves sensitive and delicate issues, "further complicated by a political culture that appears to be in itself in a state of flux and change."

She added, "In this sea of turbulence the challenge will be to harness the contending, and at time, competing forces and create a harmony that must only benefit the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

"But make no mistake, in spite of the tremendous challenges, there will be unity and there will be political change.

"The Unity that our Party desires, is a unity that will be based on principles, integrity in the process, a commitment to good, honest and effective governance, and most importantly a unity that will not only be embraced by the electorate...but one that is sustainable.

"I have tremendous faith in you and your patience...the nightmare we have been enduring will soon be over."