Kamla ready to serve, acknowledges Panday's role in TT politics

Kamla Persad-Bisssessar welcomed Tim Gopeesingh's support Saturday with the same humility and sense of nationhood that characterized her campaign for the leadership of the United National Congress.

In a statement shortly after the Caroni East MP announced that he would support Persad-Bissessar for leader of the opposition, the Siparia MP called it a victory for the people.

"This is not a victory for me or one group over another; our party and nation can never move forward with such a narcissistic outlook or intent, this is an outcome in which the will of the people prevails...

"There must be no more division within our ranks just as there must be no more division in our nation along ethnic, religious or politically tribal lines.

"We have one common purpose, to set things right again in Trinidad and Tobago, to ensure that the inept, callous and corrupt Patrick Manning administration is removed."

She thanked UNC MPs for their support and acknowledged "the service of my political mentor, former Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable, Basdeo Panday, who blazed the political trails which so many of us like myself now follow."

Persad-Bissessar added, "You are the true political soldier, sir, whose fight has won so many victories for the people of this nation. I salute your proud history and pledge to carry on your fight, albeit in the context of the new political climate of our nation."

She said the best tribute she can pay to Panday is to regain the government "and returning peace, progress and stability to Trinidad and Tobago".

She said she looks forward to Panday's continuing counsel "as we look to chart a new way forward." She pledged her "personal respect and high consideration" to Panday and promised that "the voice of every citizen who is frustrated and angry, hurt or hungry, fearful or feeble, is heard in the hallowed halls of the Parliamentary chambers."

She was clear about the enemy. "The battle lines are drawn, it is the People versus Patrick Manning and his cohorts; I will do all within my power to ensure that the people are the winners," she said.