Kamla declares

“Dr Rafeeq is the choice of the majority of MPs who are in opposition to the Government,” Persad-Bissessar said. (SEE PAGE 8 STORY)

Asked if there will be changes to the UNC Senators. She replied that nothing in life is permanent. “I do not know if I’ll be on this seat next week and that is not because I’m warming it for anyone. If I am warming the seat it is true; I’m warming it for Patrick Manning — to return as Leader of the Opposition.”

She congratulated the Caroni Central MP whom she said had been democratically elected. “There is a time for healing. Today is important with a chief whip the majority of members can work with.”

She announced that the UNC’s Parliamentary arm had on Thursday rejected the resignation of UNC chairman, Basdeo Panday. This decision will be officially communicated to him.

“Members who genuinely love and respect Mr Panday as their Maha Guru...They would obviously be speaking with him as individuals but there has not been a collective decision to go to Mr Panday to communicate the wishes and views.”

Persad-Bissessar said it was now time for the UNC to focus on its legislative agenda in Parliament. These include a second package of anti-crime Bills proposed by the Government. In addition she wants to see the revival of several Bills previously brought by the former UNC regime but which had subsequently lapsed under the PNM Government. These include the Equal Opportunities Act, Criminal Injuries Compensation Act, DNA Bill, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and Motor Vehicles Act.

She said the Government has agreed to Opposition requests to raise the ceiling on the maximum compensation for crime victims up to $350,000.