Imported crowds at UNC Tobago meeting

THE EDITOR: Basdeo Panday, leader of the losing party in the recent Local Government election claimed to be “disgusted by the use of state resources to win elections.” He further claimed that it was a dangerous trend against which the UNC will continue to speak out. I mention these quotations because I feel certain Mr Panday made the statements simply because he had to tell his sympathisers something. I recall vividly that in the height of the 2000 General Elections, the UNC “attracted” a crowd in Tobago that overflowed Market Square into the street. Waving party flags and banners, these UNC “supporters” gave an unmistakable impression that the UNC would take the two Tobago seats. At the time, most felt that these large crowds were imported from Trinidad’s Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), resources for which were provided by the state, which was governed at the time by the United National Congress. After that election, when all the dust settled, the UNC managed a scant few votes compared to the PNM.

Now while I can accept that crowds don’t win elections, the psychological effect may serve to add extra votes. Still, for the thousands that were in Market Square that evening, how come the UNC managed less than 500 votes? Imported crowds, perhaps? And at who’s expense? The state, that’s who! Mr Panday is expert at pointing out tactical election strategies like voter/house padding, inflated crowd support and mock polling stations all coming out of the pocket of the taxpayer. Such expertise can be gained from the UNC experience in government with vast amounts of taxpayer’s dollars at their disposal. Does anyone recall the advertising blitz which nauseated the entire nation during the 2000 general elections? Given the cost of that alone, do you believe taxpayer’s dollars had nothing to do with that? So where does Mr Panday get off commenting about “disgusted by the use of state resources to win elections? Can’t he tell that even his own supporters are not longer easily fooled? Jeezanages man! Mr Panday, hear something, we are about seriousness in this country. There are lives to live, businesses to run, laws to be passed and justice to be dispensed. You sir, are standing in the way of progress. Please step aside and cease to be part of the problem.

D JENNINGS
San Juan