Hanging on to hem of Panday’s garments

THE EDITOR: It is no surprise that the UNC lost the Local Government Elections, because, being in Opposition hardly gave them the opportunity to impress upon anyone other than the few grassroot supporters that remain. In addition, there were a lot of stupid statements made to the media and on the political platform by Panday, Wade Mark, Kamla and Robin Montano that weren’t dealing with the issues. These recycled emotional statements on race and discrimination have become very stale and without any significant effect. It is ironic that the CEPEP programme that is so demonised is being blamed for their defeat since it has obviously created employment for people who were probably not earning an income. What matters most to these people employed at CEPEP is that they feed, clothe and school their children and support themselves. Therefore the UNC’s fear of CEPEP is now a reality which they will probably never overcome and they will further feel insecure when the Caroni workers are presented with a gift of a VSEP package second to no other.

Basdeo Panday and his minions should read and listen back to some of the dotish statements they have made to their own detriment. It is rather unfortunate that coded racism has to be used to poison the minds of his supporters against the building of homes for the people of San Fernando by declaring that it will become a ghetto like Laventille, John John and Belmont. Is it because of the ethic makeup of these communities Mr Panday? Wade Mark has been frequently making foolish remarks in and out of the Senate. It makes you wonder if he was either programmed or wound up and sent out to act as the sacrificial lamb of the UNC. How much longer can people like Mark (who of all people is accusing Bob Lindquist singing for his supper) Moonilal, Kamla, Manohar, Ganga and the like continue to hold on to the hem of Basdeo Panday’s garments pretending that he is God’s gift to the UNC? Is it because they know that there is no other like Panday to lead the party and appeal to a wide cross-section of the citizenry all the while commanding adoration and worship.

Isn’t there anyone with the testicular fortitude to challenge the leadership for the remnants of the party? It is rather funny that the fearless Robin Montano is not putting up a challenge. After all it was the leadership issue of the PNM which has made him become such an anti-Manning and anti-PNM advocate to a pretending, pro-UNC lover. Go on Robin, this is the perfect opportunity for you to sit in the throne (or stool) of the wounded or defeated “king”. It is also the perfect opportunity for the PNM to continue to make inroads into the UNC strongholds and to improve on newly won support without ever getting complacent. Let the UNC on the other hand continue to quiver in fear as they contemplate their demise.

GARVIN
 WALTERS
Tobago