Warner tells Panday give way to Dookeran

Warner, who boycotted yesterday evening’s executive meeting at Rienzi Complex, said, "if the UNC is to get into government, it has to be seen as a serious organisation which can only be under Mr Dookeran’s leadership."

He said Panday should act like the chairman of the party. Warner accused Panday of calling yesterday’s meeting and setting his own agenda without consultations with Dookeran. He said he will stay away from the party until the dispute surrounding the post of vice chairman is resolved. St Joseph MP Gerald Yetming was originally declared as vice chairman, but a recount saw Vasant Bharath assume the position. Warner said, he will legally challenge that result.

Warner added, "There is dispute as it relates to one particular member in party in the elections and this is being favoured over, and I think that is wrong. Until that is resolved, I will not sit on the executive committee when a meeting is called by the executive chairman, who has not even discussed the agenda with the political leader.

"Further, the chairman as Leader of the Opposition must understand that he also has to vest that office to the political leader."

Warner added, "At end of day, I want history to be kind to Mr Panday. He has contributed a lot to this country, to the union and to all kinds of people in all walks of life. But the thing that people will remember most is his last years and they will not be kind to him."

Fifty-nine of the 61 members of the executive attended yesterday’s meeting. Warner and Chaguanas MP Manohar Ramsaran were absent.