Friday, May 25, 2012

TOP, NJAC leaders say days of the PNM are gone forever

The leaders of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) and the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) both agreed on Thursday night that there are numerous reasons to celebrate. 

Ashworth Jack and Makandaal Daaga made the point when each of them addressed a rally in Chaguanas to mark the second anniversary of the People's Partnership victory in the 2010 general election.

Jack, whose TOP is preparing for the House of Assembly (THA) election in January 2013, predicted that the days of the People's National Movement (PNM) in Tobago are numbered.

He said the PNM administration of the THA is characterised by acrimony. "They know how to argue and fight," he said. "January will come and that will be the end of the PNM in Tobago," he added.

Jack said the PNM's style is based on divisiveness and noted that they continue to use race to try to divide the country and the island of Tobago. He pledged to launch a frontal attack on them for preaching race because "I believe there is only one race - the human race."

Dealing with the celebration, the TOP leader said there is every reason to celebrate because of the achievements of the partnership over the past two years. 

He spoke about David Abdulah, leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), who refused to participate or allow his party to participate in what he called an "inappropriate" celebration. "We will be waiting to welcome back the prodigal son," he said.

Jack said reporting to the nation is desirable but it is something alien to the others who are afraid to meet with the people. He said the partnership government is the first to report to the nation on an annual basis because "we are not afraid of the people." He added that this must become the "new standard" for governments.

He also warned against any attempt at fragmentation, which he said would open the door for the return of the PNM. He said, "Small things must give way to the big picture" and pledged that he would save no effort to attack his opponents with "full force".

Jack quoted from the scriptures to remind supporters and his political colleagues of the need for humility. "He that humbleth himself shall he exhalted," he said, "Let us be humble and work with the people."

Daaga reminded his audience of the desperation among the people just before the People's Partnership stepped in a rescued Trinidad & Tobago. He praised the Prime Minister for her caring approach to leadership and thanked her for bringing a "sense of unity to my people."

The NJAC leader said there is every reason to celebrate, and even suggested that it should be done every month to remind the people of what change has taken place under the leadership of Persad-Bissessar.

"You have taught us how to honour the old; you have taught us how to love the children...we should celebrate every month," Daaga said.

He said the "days of the PNM are gone forever. Never, never, never again" must they hold power, he added. He accused the PNM of causing unnecessary unrest by inciting and encouraging people everywhere to "burn tyres although they don't even know the cost of a tyre".

He said instead of launching a no confidence motion in the PM, "they should thank you".

Daaga concluded his brief address by pleading with men to "respect our wives and love our children. Love our sisters and brothers. Let us unite as a people for ever and forever."

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai