COP must get it right

The Congress of the People achieved that in 2007, regardless of the end result, as the 147,000 of us felt satisfied voting that day without having to hold our nose to choose between the lesser of two evils, as we were forced to do in 2015.

Now the COP is as significant as NJAC, NAR and the other promised and proposed political groups popping up at every corner.

However, those 140,000-odd are still hoping for a change and as much as those in leadership virtually sold out the party to remain in Government and keep lofty positions, including Ministerial posts, it is hoped this time around, those who seek leadership in the COP would not be vying for such a post.

Especially based on doing what they did previously, which was to remain silent or be so obnoxious and not understand that a window must always be opened for possible discussion with other parties whilst ensuring that we maintain our principles.

Thankfully, the three options (for COP leadership) are all excellent choices. However, based on what I mentioned above, the best choice would be the one who said “enough is enough” and walked, as the majority of us also did, either before, during or after her departure.

Taking nothing from the few hundreds who remained, the fact is that the 140,000-odd did what Nicole Dyer Griffith did, and the only way the party can become relevant is for one of those to lead, as we would know that she would defend the values of the party, while being mature and open minded in modern day politics.

That is the kind of character we need to have a proper third option and it is hoped the registered COP members use this opportunity to give the nation a proper third choice.

This may be our last chance to do so.

A Sean Jerome Tunapuna