Garvin Nicholas resigns as UNC counsel

OPPOSITION LEADER Basdeo Panday yesterday expressed deep regret over the resignation of Garvin Nicholas as his legal counsel.

In a letter to Panday yesterday, Nicholas said: “On recent reflection and examination of the course of my life, I have come to the conclusion that on my present path, I may not realise my goals in a way that serves myself, or my country. I believe the time has come for me to explore alternative avenues of service that may bring me closer to achieving my goals. “You would also appreciate that these goals were the driving force behind my return to Trinidad and Tobago. “It would be quite unfair of me to seek to continue in the capacity as counsel to the Leader of the Opposition in my present state of mind. As such, I humbly tender my resignation effective August 31, 2003.” Nicholas also indicated that the events of July 7, when he was robbed of his car and important documents at gun-point, also played a factor in his decision.

Panday told Newsday that while he was saddened about Nicholas’ resignation, it came as no surprise to him. The UNC leader said Nicholas had spoken to him on previous occasions about wanting to go back into private practice. He denied that Nicholas’ resignation had anything to do with problems the attorney had with anyone in his office, or within the UNC. Panday said during his time with the party, Nicholas made a significant contribution, and will be sorely missed. Nicholas unsuccessfully tried to wrest the Diego Martin East seat away from Health Minister Colm Imbert in the 2001 general elections and was undertaking a one-man review of the UNC’s Constitution. The party is now reviewing its constitution under a team led by UNC elections officer Dr Tim Gopeesingh, in anticipation of internal elections either later this year or in early 2004.