Frail bas leaves golden grove

Panday’s beard remained unshaven and he was assisted from the prison entrance to the car park by his wife Oma and a relative.

Speaking with reporters following his release after spending four nights in jail, a subdued Panday said that God works in mysterious ways, and being sent to prison may be a wake-up call to let citizens know of the wickedness stalking the land. “In the interest of the country, one has to make sacrifices and I am ready to make sacrifices,” said Panday who did not appear his fiery self.

Maintaining his position that he will emerge victorious in his appeal, Panday quipped that the law must take its course and if society did not allow that to happen, then the same society will degenerate.

He added that he will stand by his decision not to discuss internal party affairs with the media, but was quick to point out that a lot of work has to be carried out within the UNC to ensure that unity is achieved and that the party forms the next government.

“I expected that in my absence problems would have arisen, but I can assure you that any problems will be sorted out,” said Panday.

He said that his stay at the prison was comfortable and he was treated well by most of the prison officers.

The father of four said that he did not do any hard labour while in prison due to the appeal lodged by his lawyers.

Panday admitted that he and Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr were in the same infirmary and they even had a chance to talk briefly.

He was even visited by Junior National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds on Tuesday, during a tour of the prison by Hinds.

Questioned by reporters about his relationship with former Attorney General Ramesh Maharaj, Panday said “We are not related.”

He said that his relationship with Maharaj remains the same.

Panday who will celebrate his 73rd birthday next month admitted that his health is not the best at this time and he has been taking medication for dizziness and diabetes, apart from his heart complications.

He was led to a waiting vehicle and sat next to his wife Oma as the driver was given instructions to take him to his home where a special home-cooked meal awaited him. Panday’s $300,000 bail yesterday was stood by Dr Tim Gopeesingh.

Speaking from his home last night the UNC chairman said he was concerned about the unity of the UNC.