Tobago UNC activist

TOBAGO UNC activist Barrington ‘Skippy’ Thomas yesterday said he does not support the decision to make Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar Opposition Leader, adding that Winston Dookeran should have been promoted to the position “since he is the Political Leader.”

Thomas also said he was initially “hurt and pained” by the news of the conviction of former opposition leader Basdeo Panday but his sympathy was reduced following the “uncouth treatment” meted out to Dookeran as he was blanked from speaking at a rally in Rienzi Complex on Monday.

Thomas told Newsday yesterday that while he felt sentencing Panday to two years hard labour was too harsh given his medical condition, his age and the contributions he had made to the country, the ruling of the court must be respected, if the nation was to stand upright. Thomas, a self-proclaimed Dookeran supporter, disagreed with the action to bar him (Dookeran) from speaking at the rally, because he had not lent any support during Panday’s trial adding that, “Panday shows little or no respect and gratitude for people’s support of him anyway.”

He described the current discord within the party as “pure madness” and accused Panday of being in jail and “still making mischief to run the party.”

“Skippy” further charged that a former high ranking member of the UNC Government was behind Panday’s incarceration.

“While he may be playing sympathy and tribute now, (name called) is the genesis behind the persecution and prosecution of Panday and we can’t ignore that. It is ironic that Panday chose to forget, but I don’t think they expect us as a nation to forget that. He was on a grab for power then and it is very clear that he has been successful because he has been invited back into the party on a pedestal and given power on a golden platter,” Thomas said.

Meanwhile, Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London refused to comment on Panday’s incarceration, but congratulated Persad-Bissessar on her appointment as the first female Opposition Leader in the country.