Panday keeps the UNC guessing

All of the UNC — including the aspirants to various posts — had hoped that with Panday’s return to Trinidad on Independence Day, that the uncertainty would be removed. But Panday is having none of that.

After several meetings, he has only committed himself to saying that this time he will openly support a slate in the UNC internal election. "This time everyone will know the slate that I am backing," he reportedly told party colleagues.

He recalled that on the last occasion (in 2001) he was accused of backing a slate (headed by Carlos John, former minister) when he did not. But this "rounds," he stated, he would have a clear slate.

With only this signal, party stalwarts are pointing to several scenarios. One, that Panday might support a slate which he is leading (as political leader). Or two, he might support a compromise slate, led by Winston Dookeran, but with members from the camp headed by Kamla Persad-Bissessar as deputy political leader.

In this slate however, sources speculate that Panday would firmly hold the reins of power as chairman of the party. In short, Panday would help hammer out a slate which puts in place an executive that is beholden to him, sources suggested.

But other sources noted that this would be at odds with his repeated statements on Wednesday and yesterday that the rank and file of the party must decide who should lead them, as well as his recent remarks that democracy should prevail within the party.

Panday met with St Augustine MP Winston Dookeran yesterday. He met with Persad-Bissessar, Robin Montano, Chandresh Sharma, Wade Mark and Tim Gopeesingh on Wednesday night after meeting with the party’s executive at Rienzi Complex.

In either of these meetings, he did not say clearly what he was doing. And when asked by reporters, Panday appealed for patience, pointing out that the nomination process was ongoing. He said by next Thursday nominations will close and there were a few days after for persons to withdraw nominations.

"It’s looking like he wants to stay," one source said, adding that the way Panday was talking about not giving up the fight suggested that he would not give up his position.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding Panday’s involvement in the politics of the country, yesterday — the second day of nomination — passed without submissions for any posts.