The importance of Panday

He is as relevant, necessary and politically worthwhile as is Russell Latapy is, to Trinidad and Tobago’s chances in reaching the World Cup in Germany.

Those who have aspirations of pushing him in to political oblivion do not have the objectives of the relentless struggle at heart. They have not laboured in the vineyard long enough to accept the dynamics of the struggle that he has been engaged in. They are reluctant to accept that Panday is the only one with the guts and the stomach to fight the parasitic oligarchy.

He is the only one willing to challenge big businesses and their grab for power. He is the only one who does not support the inebriated decisions that are taken during the "cocktail circuit" meetings.

He is the only one with the political strength, competence and charisma to launch a meaningful challenge against the PNM Mr Patrick Manning and the PNM know this. That is why there has been a deafening silence from them, about those wanting to grab power from Panday.

The PNM has not and will not comment on those pushing Dookeran to lead the Opposition in Parliament. Mr Manning knows that "as long as Dookeran is there (opposition) he would always be here (in Government)." It is a pity that those trying to oust Panday don’t recognise this.

It is also even more difficult to support their argument that Mr Dookeran as political leader, is natural heir apparent to the post of Opposition Leader. There is absolutely no provision in the UNC Constitution or the Constitution of the Republic that the leader of a party is ex-officio leader of the House. That would be absolutely backwards and foolhardy.

There is no requirement for this in law or otherwise.

When Panday gave way to Dookeran as Political leader he was merely answering the call for proper succession planning in the Party.

For a long time people wondered; after Panday who? He finally answered by stepping down as leader of the Party. In doing so, he gave way to Dookeran to take the party forward.

Dookeran was given the authority to lead the "executive" arm of the Party, that is, "to get the party politics right."

He was entrusted with re-imaging the UNC to face the PNM, to reinstitutionalise the Women’s Arm, the Youth Arm, the Education and Research Committee, and the Policy and Strategy Committee. He is the one to start the mobilisation from the ground, to kick off the fight from the trenches. He is the one to image the party as the "alternative Government-in-waiting."

Panday on the other hand, is the one to take the fight to the PNM in the Lower House. He is the one to lead the "legislative arm" of the party.

He shapes the party’s response to Bills being laid in the House.

He is after all, the most articulate, eloquent, vociferous and outspoken Member of Parliament. Ramesh Maharaj calls him "the best debator in Parliament." His Parliamentary experience is unparalleled.

Basdeo Panday formed the Government in 1955 because of the intellectual position he adopted with respect to crime, unemployment, the deteriorating state of the public utilities and alienation.

He clearly articulated then a response mechanism to such social ills. Today, he continues to be the most sensible advocate for socio-economic change. His response to budget 2005 was absolutely brilliant, the best he has delivered ever.

ASHVANI MAHABIR

Chaguanas