She told mourners, "I thought that for a few hours I will sit and hear nice words, pleasant words. I didn't think it would have been used as a platform for bashing. There are other forums for that and I think it was a bit distasteful."
Both Panday and Ramnath were founding members of the UNC and Panday is still upset at his defeat more than two years by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who challenged him for the leadership of the party and beat him 10 to 1 in that vote.
Panday showed that prominently when he spoke at the funeral at the Arunodai Presbyterian Church, Balmain, Couva.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Opposition Leader Keith Rowley and several Government ministers attended the service.
Panday told mourners he was displeased by the glowing tributes paid to Ramnath by members of Government. "The same colleagues who in 2010 did not think he was fit enough to continue as a Member of Parliament in the constituency of Couva South, which he represented continuously for over 34 years. Those same colleagues who in 2010 poured scorn upon him and treated him with contempt," he said.
Panday made reference to what several Government members said about Ramnath following his death.
"Those who shower praise on him, now that he is no longer with us, in 2010 thought he was unfit to represent his constituency. The only thing they thought he was fit for was chairman of a board of a State enterprise." He called the outpouring of love for Ramnath "twisted irony".
Panday's account did not include his own contemptuous treatment for Ramnath following the first UNC election in 1991 in which a slate led by Ramnath won the election. Panday's response was to refuse to accept the result and demand the resignation of the executive. He later refused to nominate Ramnath to run for the Couva South seat in 1995 that he had continuously represented since 1976.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Opposition Leader Keith Rowley and several Government ministers attended the service.
Panday told mourners he was displeased by the glowing tributes paid to Ramnath by members of Government. "The same colleagues who in 2010 did not think he was fit enough to continue as a Member of Parliament in the constituency of Couva South, which he represented continuously for over 34 years. Those same colleagues who in 2010 poured scorn upon him and treated him with contempt," he said.
Panday made reference to what several Government members said about Ramnath following his death.
"Those who shower praise on him, now that he is no longer with us, in 2010 thought he was unfit to represent his constituency. The only thing they thought he was fit for was chairman of a board of a State enterprise." He called the outpouring of love for Ramnath "twisted irony".
Panday's account did not include his own contemptuous treatment for Ramnath following the first UNC election in 1991 in which a slate led by Ramnath won the election. Panday's response was to refuse to accept the result and demand the resignation of the executive. He later refused to nominate Ramnath to run for the Couva South seat in 1995 that he had continuously represented since 1976.
Panday banished Ramnath and gave the seat to Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj. When he became Prime Minister Ramnath remained on the outside, with no role in government. It was not until he needed to boot out Maharaj in 2001 that Panday remembered Ramnath and enlisted his support to run against Maharaj in Couva South and reclaim his seat.
Read related: Commentary: Shades of hypocrisy at the funeral of a friend
Persad-Bissessar did not respond to Panday's accusations when she addressed mourners. She described Ramnath as a dedicated friend and citizen.
"He gave the best years of his life to the benefit of his constituents of Couva South. He chose to lose political office rather than stoop to conquer," she remarked.
"He was a proud man because he understood the meaning of upholding personal dignity. For he was always a very dignified man. It was more about a man who valued his self-respect. He also gave respect where it was deserved," she said.
The current chairman of the UNC, National Security Minister Jack Warner, described Panday's comments as "disgraceful" and commended Ramnath's wife for speaking out against the content of Panday's eulogy.
"As Kelvin's wife say, don't use this occasion to try to score political points. I want to commend Debbie Ramnath for the dignified way in which she handled that and, more importantly, I want to commend the Prime Minister for the dignified way in which she delivered her tribute. She took the high ground.
"I wish it could have more Kamlas in this world and less Pandays. That will make the world a better place. Don't use this forum. It is undignified. Why do Kelvin that?" he asked.
The current chairman of the UNC, National Security Minister Jack Warner, described Panday's comments as "disgraceful" and commended Ramnath's wife for speaking out against the content of Panday's eulogy.
"As Kelvin's wife say, don't use this occasion to try to score political points. I want to commend Debbie Ramnath for the dignified way in which she handled that and, more importantly, I want to commend the Prime Minister for the dignified way in which she delivered her tribute. She took the high ground.
"I wish it could have more Kamlas in this world and less Pandays. That will make the world a better place. Don't use this forum. It is undignified. Why do Kelvin that?" he asked.
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