UNC turns 22

On the occasion of the twenty-second anniversary of The United National Congress, I wish to offer our congratulations and thanks to all those whose tireless efforts gave birth to this party.

It was on 16 October, 1988, that 30,000 supporters of CLUB 88, gave it a mandate to form a political party to advance the fight for social justice and change. 

That Party, the United National Congress, was duly launched at the National Stadium on April 30, 1989, before thousands of loyalists.

Today - April 30 - the party is 22 years old. In its history, we can proudly remember that it defeated the PNM just six years after formation and ran the best government this country has ever had.

During its tenure in Government between 1995 and 2001, the people of this country felt a sense of belonging and pride and were witness to good governance under the leadership of Basdeo Panday.

Today, as we mark the anniversary of this party, the party is firmly in government with its coalition partners.

Founders of the UNC wish the party well. However, we wish to pay tribute to Mr Panday who was the founder of the party, as well and those were were part of the founding congress.

Most of all we wish to pay tribute to the thousands of supporters of CLUB 88 and foundation members of the United national Congress, too numerous to mention, who were not only present at the launch but who travelled with us from village to village.

They were setting up mikes and stages and doing all the things necessary for building this party without seeking any financial rewards. All they wanted was to be treated with dignity and as equals.

They wanted an end to the alienation that was practiced by PNM and which unfortunately continued under the NAR. They wanted an end to all forms of discrimination and the creation of a just and fair society.

The founders gave up office and power, among other things, to keep alive the struggle for equality and justice. They pledged never to give up the struggle no matter what, for among it’s founders were men and women who were prepared to lay down their lives for the things in which they believed.
 
I wish the party, and its present leadership under Kamla Persad-Bissessar, well and fervently hope that they will be able to advance the dream for equality and justice.

I urge the UNC to remember the reasons why UNC came into being - and to keep alive the dreams of our founders and supporters for equality and justice.

I salute the United National Congress on its twenty-second anniversary and call upon all the faithful to keep the dream alive no matter what. 

Dr Rampersad Parasram,
Founding chairman, United National Congress
Chairman, Club 88