COP MPs pay tribute to Dookeran

Winston Dookeran's surprise announcement that he is stepping down from the leadership of the Congress of the People (COP) brought tears many of his supporters. Dookeran also wept.

At least three MPs elected under the COP banner last year praised their leader.

San Fernando West MP and Minister of Energy Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan:
"Mr Dookeran has played and will continue to play a significant role in the politics of this country, but very important is whoever goes forward must ensure, and I think this is very important for this (COP) election that they be judged on how they want to take this party forward and continue the work of Mr Dookeran."

St. Augustine MP and Minister of Legal Affairs Prakash Ramadhar:
"He really was the guiding light that brought me into the politics, believing there is a space for young people in the politics, and he has proved today the highest expectation of the politics of the future: a leader standing down. He did not have to because he is loved tremendously."

Dr Lincoln Douglas, MP Lopinot/Bon Air West Minister of State in the Ministry of the People and Social Development:

"We live in a time where we have seen a history of political leaders, both nationally and internationally, who don't know when to leave or when to stop and have ended up seriously wounding themselves as change agents,

"I think Mr Dookeran's bigness of heart and the quality of his character and the content of his wisdom was demonstrated today by the offerings that he made of resigning from the leadership of the party."