UNC needs to change its image

THE United National Congress needs to create a new image that is acceptable to the electorate in terms of philosophy, ideology, direction and purpose, if it wants to stand any chance of taking  over governance of the country from the incumbent PNM. This from UNC Leader Basdeo Panday as he addressed the Women’s Arm of the Party, during a meeting at Rienzi Complex, Mc Bean, Couva on Saturday.

Panday told the meeting, chaired by Councillor Carol Cuffy-Dowlat, he almost forgot the size and strength of the Women’s Arm. “But when I look at your monumental effort today I feel excitement in my bones that victory is not far away,” Panday said. “We must forge a plan of action including strategies and systems and we have to monitor and modify this plan when necessary as we move along to save the country from the ruins that the PNM has been causing over the two years they have been in power,” Panday stated. “To retain power we have to include in the party, especially at the leadership level people who are committed, competent and courageous to form a solid human resource base that will take us successfully on the road to governance”.

The theme of the conference was, “the Role of Women in the struggle for Governance” and chairwoman Councillor Cuffy-Dowlat said, “as women, we are ready to play a significant part on the victory journey, moreso, as we have been witnessing the deterioration of the country since Manning took over reins of Government.” Panday urged the gathering not to sell their “womanhood for high positions,” but rather earn it through competence and commitment. He said the women were just as capable of contributing to the party as the menfolk. Panday then called on women to play a crucial role in the take-over bid by the party and “let your voices and experience be heard when the action plan is being implemented.” He reminded the gathering that, “when we take over the Government from the PNM, we must govern in the interest of the whole country rather than one group, as is being done now by the PNM”.

He indicated that the, “PNM cannot last for much longer and indications are that they are bound to collapse as they are incapable of solving crime in the country and violence, especially at the level of the school.” Panday was sorry for Minister of Education Hazel Manning and as far as he was concerned, “she was being humiliated and they should not have given her that Ministry, as school children were exploding with furious anger, showing up Hazel’s incompetence.” “The Government cannot last much longer and on the basis of their own corruption, we must be ready for governance again,” Panday said.