Jack appeals to UNC members to unite and create an all inclusive party

Jack Warner with supporters Lyndira Oudit and Winston Peters

Jack Warner told supporters on the eve of the internal election of the United National Congress (UNC) not to return those members of the present national executive (NATEX) to office who have not supported the party's vision of unity.

He made the statement at his final meeting in support of his re-election as the chairmanship of the party. The meeting at Felicity in his constituency followed a motorcade through several constituencies in central Trinidad.

"Our Party will not survive in its current state," Warner said. "You cannot live the dream...if you fail to choose your leaders wisely...you cannot vote for Leaders who have expressed hate or mistrust in anyone in this Party," he added. 

The MP for Chaguanas West spoke of his vision for the UNC that is built on a genuine effort to be an all inclusive institution. 

He said it is the dream that embraces diversity and a dream that does not discriminate on the basis of religion, adding that the party must attract all religions and must be a "sanctuary for all".

He said the "new" UNC under "our esteemed Political Leader, Ms Kamla Persad-Bissessar" must be a party where the leadership is not aloof and the membership is remembered. He called to everyone to help him and the UNC live that dream.

Warner said his is a dream where leaders to do the right thing even when no one is looking. It is a dream where transparency in public affairs and accountability in all matters are practised in a way to instill confidence in the people. "This is the dream that I call upon each and every one of you to live for the UNC tonight," Warner said.
 

"It is a dream to keep us in government and make the UNC the preferred Party for all. It is a dream of a Party that seeks to provide for the welfare of all and the sustainable development of this country," he said. 

The UNC chairman said now is the time for us to live the dream of "love, a dream of unity, a dream of oneness, a dream of respect for diversity" as he urged UNC members to build the nation and create a better society for future generations.

He said to live such a dream is not difficult or impossible, adding that it "must be our destiny". 

Warner said to create a new UNC, its leaders and the members must break down and destroy any walls of oppression and discrimination that exist within the party. 

He asked the membership to vote for his cabinet colleagues Fuad Khan and Herbert Volney, who are both running for deputy leaders. The party has three deputy leaders.

He also asked the membership to vote for Senate Vice-President Lyndira Oudit to be the vice chair of the UNC. All the persons he endorsed are running as independents. He did not endorse anyone running on any of the three slates.

One of the slates is led by Deputy Leader Roodal Moonilal. Another is led by UNC activist Sunil Ramjitsingh and the third is guided and advised by former UNC Leader Basdeo Panday.

Warner invited members to dream with him and reject anyone who is opposed to unity. Such persons, he said, are not part of the solution but a problem to the party. "With your vote tomorrow, this party will rise," Warner said. "Let us vote for leaders who will keep this party's dream alive."