UNC leadership is not the issue

THE EDITOR: I read Kirk Meighoo’s article in the TT Review of January 5, 2004 and question his analysis of the Opposition United National Congress (UNC).

He described the UNC Opposition as “floating in an ineffective netherworld” and “in a sorry decline.” Is he serious? If he is, then it confirms my distrust for the so-called intellectuals who sit in their ivory towers making pronouncements which bear no reality to the situation at the ground level. Mr Meighoo, like his colleagues in the ivory towers of our nation, sees the role of the Opposition UNC only in terms of replacing Basdeo Panday as leader. Whether Mr Panday stays or leaves, the leadership is not the issue.

The issue is, that the UNC has been able to expose and corner the PNM on its corrupt practice of nepotism, on wastage and on discrimination against citizens of this country at every turn. Clearly, that is no concern of Mr Meighoo. For all he cares, the PNM can continue its assault on citizens and discriminate against one section of the population and be arrogant about it. What the ivory tower residents like Mr Meighoo care about is that the UNC must replace Mr Panday.

Mr Meighoo must be told that had it not been for the UNC opposition, the tortuous wastage of public funds in CEPEP and the discriminatory method of awarding contracts would never have surfaced. Had it not been for the UNC, the discriminatory policy embodied in the COSTAAT arrangement would have been quietly pursued by the PNM. Had it not been for the UNC Opposition, the plum jobs given to friends and relatives of PNM officials and their colleagues would never have been exposed.

Mr Meighoo, the sweetheart alliance of some sections of the media with the PNM would have preempted any disclosure that would upset the gravy train. Need I say more, Mr Meighoo? Do not remove your blinkers if you want to be regarded as fair and objective when discussing politics. UNC bashing will not get you anywhere!

HORACE WILSON
Poole