‘My comments were honest and fair’

IN A fiery salvo at her detractors, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Senator Christine Sahadeo yesterday stood by recent controversial comments she had made and advised her detractors to “put Trinidad and Tobago first.” Addressing a Maha Sabha Indian Arrival Day function at Crowne Plaza last Wednesday, Sahadeo stirred up a hornets’ nest when she said, “...in many instances, the sense of racial discrimination (against members of the East Indian community) is fostered rather than a reality.”

The minister also spoke about how statistics appeared to suggest that the Indo-Trinidadian community was a target of serious crimes (such as kidnapping and robberies) and expressed her sadness and concern about statements of political persecution in TT. Since then, Sahadeo’s comments have been condemned by the Opposition UNC and Chaguanas Mayor Suruj Rambachan. The minister told Newsday yesterday that her statements at the Crowne Plaza were “honest and fair.” She added that she dealt with the issues in an objective and non-political manner and found the criticisms levelled against her to be “unfortunate.”

Sahadeo said the comments made by her detractors show there was a fundamental need for people in TT “to put aside our differences and move forward for the sake of the country.” The minister added that for the country to develop properly, this must be the modus operandi of its leaders and this was the main reason why she offered herself for public service.