Sadiq Baksh confident of UNC’s leadership

ALTHOUGH conceding that the outcome of the July 14 Local Government Election had caused a “measure of concern” within the ranks of the UNC, Senator Sadiq Baksh has said that the party’s leadership would continue “indefinitely.”

He was speaking to reporters after the swearing-in of councillors and election of Aldermen at the Rio Claro/ Mayaro Regional Corporation yesterday. That Corporation, which was tied at 3-3 following the Local Government Elections, fell into the UNC’s control following the drawing of lots yesterday. Baksh, who led a full contingent of UNC MPs in support of the party’s successful councillors, said that the party was “rebuilding” in anticipation of the 2007 General Election campaign. “We recognise that we have lost ground, but we remain committed to working harder to make sure that we regain that ground and do even better when the next General Elections comes around,” Baksh said.

And, on the question of the party’s leadership, Baksh was more definitive, saying the position was not under review. “Well, I want to tell you that the leaders of the UNC will change from time to time,” he said. “But the leadership of the UNC will continue well into the future, indefinitely.” However, UNC chairman Wade Mark said the question of the party’s leadership would be dealt with when the UNC holds its internal elections towards the end of 2003. Mark said the UNC hopes to have a new constitution in place before it holds these elections at which, all posts, including that of political leader, will be up for grabs. No one knows if UNC leader Basdeo Panday will be challenged.