UNC meets business on Exemption Order

"We held discussions and extended invitations. The Government through legal notice in Parliament with the Freedom of Information Exemption Order is denying the public access to information," said United National Congress (UNC) Chairman Wade Mark.

He said the business association and other bodies needed to be alerted to the Order, which was tabled in Senate two weeks ago.

"This systematic attempt is under running independent institutions," he said.

Referring to the Order, he added that he could not believe that Attorney General John Jeremie, who is guardian of the Constitution, was piloting something that "did not serve the national interest."

When Newsday asked for opinions on UNC political leader Basdeo Panday’s decision to refuse bail, the Arima and San Juan businessmen refused to comment, and Mark was reluctant to comment on calls for the return of Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj to the UNC. He was also unwilling to discuss the situation with Gillian Lucky, Fuad Khan or Trevor Sudama.

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday and his wife Oma were charged with corruption along with former government minister, Carlos John, and businessman Ishwar Galbaransingh on May 31 2005.

Panday and his wife were each granted bail in the sum of $750,000, while Galbaransingh was issued bail in the sum of $1 million.

Member of Parliament for Oropouche Roodal Moonilal told Newsday the UNC caucus was committed to unifying all those in opposition, and that all voices should be heard and accommodated.

Moonilal said that they would not accept the National Alliance for Reconstruction’s (NAR) offer to secure bail for Panday with the building housing NAR headquarters at Victoria Square, but said he was happy for the NAR’s concern.

"There is the use of the element in the police force. The AG is a politician, and there has been an abuse of power where the law is concerned," he said. He added that the People’s National Movement was trying to undermine the Opposition towards political ends.

"We believe in liberating our country, not discriminating, and this is not a UNC issue. We must be prepared to participate and change our country — not by violence," he said.

Basdeo Panday’s executive secretary Beverly Dreyton said the Chamber of Commerce and other bodies did not show up, and a meeting will be rescheduled for another time.