Former AG very eager

Speaking with Newsday following the launch of his new political movement ACT TT at the La Joya Complex in St Joseph, Maharaj declared, "I am open to unity to be able to rescue TT. I am prepared to discuss the unity of the country with anyone including Mr Panday." Earlier in the day, Panday told Newsday that he would be willing to entertain a discussion with his former UNC deputy leader about how they could work together in the interests of the nation.

Panday added that while Maharaj has not made any formal proposal to him about working together — either by rejoining the UNC or forming an alliance with a political entity that he (Maharaj) could lead — he (Panday) was willing to keep "an open mind" on the matter and not dismiss it outright.

During his speech to the estimated 1,500 persons who turned out at La Joya yesterday, Maharaj said the formation of parties such as the Committee for Transformation and Progress (C4TAP) would only reinforce the PNM’s hold on power rather than weaken it since such parties had no base following.

Maharaj cited several instances where this has happened in TT and took particular note of how the 2001 split in the UNC ensured the PNM’s return to government.

Maharaj said there must not be a hasty rush by anyone to form a political party at this time and his new movement would seek to gather a consensus about its way forward before deciding on establishing itself as a political party.