Doctors order Panday to rest

ONE Day after tendering his resignation as chairman of the Opposition United National Congress (UNC), Basdeo Panday is said to be under strict orders from his doctors to rest and avoid any strenuous activities. Panday’s resignation followed his removal from the position of opposition leader, which itself followed his conviction under the Integrity in Public Life Act.

When Newsday visited Panday’s Bryan’s Gate, Phillipine home yesterday, a female uniformed security officer said that Panday was resting upstairs. She further said that the Pandays had given instructions to the guards that the family was not to be disturbed.

A similar message was conveyed to some members of Panday’s Couva North constituency, who had been trying unsuccessfully to speak to him since he was released from jail on bail last week.

Chaguanas deputy mayor Orlando Nagessar told Newsday yesterday “the constituents were reportedly planning to visit Panday’s home in the hope of lifting his spirits after his incarceration at the Golden Grove prison.”

A constituency member told Newsday yesterday that when he spoke to Panday on Monday morning, Panday admitted he was “feeling weak.” Panday has had open heart surgery and also has kidney, colon, and back problems and diabetes.

Panday saw his doctor on Saturday and was ordered to rest. The female security guard at Panday’s house said that Panday had been resting since he returned home from prison.

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the Couva North constituency is being scheduled for today to discuss plans to meet the former UNC leader.