UNC PLOT THICKENS

And, while he didn’t say it in his six-page statement, Warner’s decision will mean that he will be challenging persons on the slate of the man he has backed for several years, Basdeo Panday.

The Panday slate was being finalised yesterday.

In fact, sources commenting on this latest move stated that the apparent strategy of the group supportive of Dookeran and of change within the UNC, is to have Dookeran run on the Panday slate, while individuals from his group run in opposition to persons on the Panday slate. Warner stated that "central" to his decision (to contest) was the fact that "in Winston Dookeran... Panday had identified a worthy successor."

"Dookeran should be unfettered in the immediate task of leading the transformation of the UNC in keeping with already agreed objectives; and in moving forward to form the next government," he stated.

In the statement issued to the media, Warner described himself as "a devoted friend and a loyal supporter" of Panday "in and out of government and even at this very moment, for me, nothing has changed."

He added, "I shall serve the UNC under Winston Dookeran’s leadership with no lesser commitment than I have done under Basdeo Panday."

Warner reminded the country that he stood up and was counted "brutally at times."

Warner, who is currently overseas on FIFA business, promised to take his candidacy for the deputy political leadership directly to the people across the country.

Sources said that Dookeran indicated to Panday yesterday that he would accept his offer to contest the position of Political Leader as part of the Panday team.

"The ball is now back in Panday’s court as to whether or not he would go through with this plan" — which involves him (Panday) running for the position of chairman of the party," sources stated.

Sources also revealed that members of the Dookeran camp had been trying to broker a deal to get on the Panday slate or to try to arrive at a consensus slate. With just one day to go for the close of nominations, no papers have been filed.

Sources promised that by the 4 pm deadline this afternoon, however, it would be crystal clear that there would be robust competition for all the positions.

For certain though the position of Deputy Political Leader — just like in the last internal election — would be a major ground in the contest.

Warner joins Kelvin Ramnath, Carol Cuffie Dowlat, and Roodal Moonilal, all of whom have already publicly indicated that they are running for one of the three positions of deputy leader.

And more names are to come for this position, as well as for all the others positions when all the candidates are revealed this afternoon.