Bas accepts invitation for opening of 10th Parliament

For the first time since 1976, former prime minister Basdeo Panday is not an elected Member of Parliament.

But the ex-Prime Minister will be present on Friday when the 10th Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago convenes with Kamla Persad-Bissessar as head of government.

Panday and his wife, Oma, have accepted an invitation to attend the event. "I am glad that I am still remembered in Parliamentary circles," he told reporters.

Panday will be among several former MPs and government ministers who were defeated in the May 24 general elections.

The former MP for Couva North is still ready to fight for the people. "Parliament or no Parliament I will continue the struggle for the poor and dispossessed in the society."

He is keeping a personal office at the Rienzi Complex, Couva, where the party he founded in 1989 has its headquarters.

He plans to offer help for anyone who needs it and will have a limited legal practice in San Fernando. Panday, 77, will continue to support the UNC and says he has no plans to abandon the "political child" that was born 21 years ago.