PP leaders to meet again; officials think impasse would be settled

File: People's Partnership leaders celebrate together 

A meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday for the leaders of the People’s Partnership (PP) Government to make a third attempt to resolve their differences.

The Congress of the People (COP) is angry about the political developments involving San Fernando mayor Marlene Coudray, who left COP and joined the United National Congress. She ran for one of the three posts of deputy leader in the UNC election on March 24 and won.

COP wants Coudray fired as mayor and replaced with a COP nominee. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissesar has said he cannot do that since she does not have the authority to fire a mayor.

COP had initially stated that the Coudray matter could cause it to leave the coalition. However when the leaders met on Monday COP Leader Prakash Ramadhar softened his position and pledged his party's commitment to the partnership and the government.

Some party officials have said that's a turnaround and have have accused Ramadhar of treachery, saying he is looking after his personal interests.

One COP MP - Anil Roberts - has harshly criticised his leader, saying Ramadhar was wrong to make threats and that the party leader does not speak for him. Roberts is facing possible censure from his party for speaking out on the matter.

COP general secretary Nirad Tewarie told local media the parties would try to meet before the PM leaves for Colombia for the 6th summit of the Americas next week.

“I think we have national issues to deal with and the Prime Minister recently spoke on the value of compromise, so we are optimistic the various matters at hand can be worked out," he said.

Ramadhar is on holiday in Florida. However media reports say he will return to Trinidad for the meeting on Tuesday.

There is speculation that the partnership is prepared to make a compromise that will allow COP to save face.

UNC sources have said since the principal issue of contention is the mayorship, the UNC may offer Coudray a way out with a senate appointment and a post as a junior minister.

That would clear the way for the appointment of a new mayor who would have to be approved by the council. That person could be Deputy Mayor, Navi Muradali.

If that plan is put in motion, it means the UNC would have to remove one of its 16 Senators to make room for Coudray.

The speculation is that Coudray could become Vice President of the Senate, replacing Lyndira Oudit who ran unsuccessfully for the post of UNC Vice Chairman against Khadijan Ameen in the UNC internal election.