UNC never planned to shut down Caroni

Editor: I have no intention to get into a debate with Team Unity leader Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, but his recent bit of propaganda that the UNC had planned to shut down Caroni Limited and sell off its assets cannot go by without challenge.

The UNC had no such plan.  And Mr Maharaj knows it.  I am sure Mr. Maharaj would recall that the Divestment Secretariat had submitted proposals to this effect, which were not accepted by the UNC Government.  Mr Maharaj would also recall that Mr Panday had always insisted that private sector participation was a policy direction for Caroni Limited and not divestment. In fact, Mr Panday always objected to the use of the word, divestment. So to come now and say that the UNC wanted to sell off the assets of Caroni Limited and shut down the industry is not only dishonest, but mischievous. The UNC invited private sector participation for the rum distillery, dairy, beef, rice and citrus.  Mr Maharaj would recall that the invitation for private sector participation had attracted a local rum giant, but it was he, Raffique Shah and Patrick Manning who sustained a propaganda campaign saying the rum stock was worth $1 billion and that the UNC was selling it off to its friends for $35 million.  The investor withdrew his offer. 

That was only one instance of the obstructionist behaviour of Mr Maharaj and his friends, which further delayed action on Caroni Limited. Mr Maharaj talks about the UNC having no strategy.  We had a strategy which was successfully derailed by Mr Maharaj in order to have his own strategy for installing Patrick Manning as Prime Minister to prevail. We all remember too well, the headline in the daily newspapers in late 2001, “Done Deal” with Mr Maharaj emerging with Mr Manning after talks aimed at installing him as Prime Minister. So, Mr Maharaj, don’t talk to us about strategy! Our strategy was to defend workers in this country by creating jobs.  We had no intention to retrench workers at Caroni.  Our strategy was to expand Caroni Limited to create more jobs.  But, we could not do that without private sector participation.  We wanted to start with the rum distillery.

The question now is not what the UNC did or did not do.  The question now is that the PNM is hell-bent on sending 10,000 workers home without the benefit of a comprehensive plan in the so-called restructuring process.  But, instead of concentrating on this issue, Mr Maharaj focuses on the UNC. That will not help the sugar workers cause at this time, Mr Maharaj. From what I read in Mr Maharaj’s statement, his answer to the PNM’s ruthless and callous action is to file a motion of no-confidence in the Government. Pray tell us, Mr Maharaj, what will a motion of no-confidence in the PNM Government do to stop Mr Manning from implementing his plan.  If you have nothing to add to this serious debate, Mr Maharaj, please shut up.  I am sure Mr Manning thanks God each night for people like you.

HARRY PARTAP
MP-NARIVA