The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) has issued a statement (MSJ) indicating that it has not yet made a commitment to attend the May 24 rally to celebrate the second anniversary of the People's Partnership victory in the general election.
Rambachan said what appear to be "rumblings" in the People's Partnership, are part of the "political dynamics" of a coalition and do not undermine the strength of the partnership, which he said remains very strong and stable.
"What you are seeing is a new kind of politics in Trinidad, one which allows for freedom of discussion, freedom of expression, a politics that is open and transparent.
Rambachan also disagreed with a statement by COP member Vernon De Lima who has stated said the coalition is dead, alleging that it is because the UNC has showed no respect for the other partners. He said a clear signal that the government is strong is its ability to deliver and to attack foreign investment.
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| David Abdullah: No time for a celebratory rally |
In a full page advertisement in Thursday's local newspapers MSJ Political Leader David Abdulah stated that at a meeting on May 8 he told the Partnership Leaders that it is not appropriate to have a celebratory rally when there are so many crucial issues facing the country.
Abdulah said the MSJ would announce its decision to attend only after the Party's Activist Council Meeting meets to make an appraisal of whether the Government has seriously addressed the issues raised by the MSJ. The party has sent a list of 10 items it wants addressed by May 24.
However Communications Minister Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan contradicted Abdulah at Thursday's post cabinet media briefing.
He said: "If you look at today's newspaper you will see that there is a picture published of all the leaders of the People's Partnership who will be there at Mid Centre Mall.
"My understanding as of this morning (Thursday) is that Mr. David Abdulah had committed to be a speaker and a contributor to that meeting that is taking place to celebrate the second year achievements of the People's Partnership Government."
Abdulah said the MSJ would announce its decision to attend only after the Party's Activist Council Meeting meets to make an appraisal of whether the Government has seriously addressed the issues raised by the MSJ. The party has sent a list of 10 items it wants addressed by May 24.
However Communications Minister Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan contradicted Abdulah at Thursday's post cabinet media briefing.
He said: "If you look at today's newspaper you will see that there is a picture published of all the leaders of the People's Partnership who will be there at Mid Centre Mall.
"My understanding as of this morning (Thursday) is that Mr. David Abdulah had committed to be a speaker and a contributor to that meeting that is taking place to celebrate the second year achievements of the People's Partnership Government."
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| File: Suruj Rambachan |
Rambachan said what appear to be "rumblings" in the People's Partnership, are part of the "political dynamics" of a coalition and do not undermine the strength of the partnership, which he said remains very strong and stable.
"What you are seeing is a new kind of politics in Trinidad, one which allows for freedom of discussion, freedom of expression, a politics that is open and transparent.
"What we are seeing is the birth of a coalition that is here to stay, not just in terms of the traditional definition of the coalition, but look at the paradigm when we speak of a partnership, a partnership as a coalition is different from a coalition per se," he said.
Rambachan added: "One of the things you must respect is freedom of the right of association, it is one of the things enshrined in the Constitution, as is the right of freedom of speech.
Rambachan added: "One of the things you must respect is freedom of the right of association, it is one of the things enshrined in the Constitution, as is the right of freedom of speech.
The minister also dismissed talk of a plan by the United National Congress (UNC) to take over constituencies currently held by the Congress of the People (COP).
"Nothing is going to be done by any members of the UNC to undermine the solid relationship that exists and has been going between the partnership members," he declared.
Rambachan also disagreed with a statement by COP member Vernon De Lima who has stated said the coalition is dead, alleging that it is because the UNC has showed no respect for the other partners. He said a clear signal that the government is strong is its ability to deliver and to attack foreign investment.
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