UNC preparing for snap election

Panday said the Opposition is preparing itself for the next general elections, and also asked residents of Tacarigua and surrounding areas to prepare themselves.

Sporting a mischievous smile, Panday, who toured several areas in Tacarigua, Tunapuna, Caura and surrounding areas, said the identity of the two caretaker MPs will be revealed shortly.

The two will replace Gillian Lucky for Pointe-a-Pierre and Fuad Khan for San Juan/Barataria.

Former Mastana Bahar host Jamal Mohammed, a close relative of former PNM minister Kamal Mohammed, is tipped to replace Khan, while Dr Tim Goopiesingh is expected to replace Lucky.

Accompanied by UNC Senator Wade Mark, councillor Shama Deonarine, Dr Tim Goopiesingh and others, Panday met with Tacarigua residents at the Thavenot Street Hindu Temple.

He assured them that the Opposition was working towards forming the next government and added that under a UNC regime, the escalating crime would be curtailed. He added that his vision for the future is encouraging widespread farming throughout Trinidad and Tobago, so that citizens would always have a fresh supply of vegetables and food available. Panday then made his way to the Ajam Street, Tacarigua home of freed kidnap victim Brian Bedase.

The four-year-old boy was kidnapped from his home on December 6 last year, and was rescued by police officers on the morning of December 9. Three suspects were held for that kidnapping.

As Panday walked through the yard where Bedase lives, he was garlanded by young Bedase, who boldly told Panday, "I was the little boy who was kidnapped." He then bounced knuckles with Senator Wade Mark, much to Panday’s delight.

Panday was then given a first-hand look at the area from where Bedase was kidnapped.

In the background, his mother Yasmin cried openly, telling Newsday that the visit by Panday brought back memories of December 9 when her son was returned to her. Panday and his team then toured several other areas in Tunapuna.

Panday said the UNC was confident of reclaiming the Tunapuna seat in the next elections, and joked that "as a matter of fact we will win all 36 seats."

He joked as he shook hands and kissed babies along the way.