Ramsaran scoffs at Panday resignation

In cynical tones, Ramsaran said the decision of the UNC executive to seek the advice from various arms of the party on whether or not to accept Panday’s resignation, suggested that the entire affair was a ploy.

“I said from the very beginning that the whole resignation thing was a sham to have the people call him back and he return like a big hero,” Ramsaran said.

Ramsaran, who was kicked out of the Executive, said that had he gone to the meeting on Wednesday evening, he would have told the executive to allow Panday to enjoy his retirement. “Why are they holding on to the coat-tails of Basdeo Panday? If Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and Jack Warner are so strong, why are they determined to use every last once of Mr Panday’s blood?” he asked.

Ramsaran said his advice to Panday, “whatever he may feel about me,” is not to allow people to “ride him” to the end. “Panday should never be used in this manner,” he added.

Meanwhile, UNC sources said the party’s CEO Dr Tim Gopeesingh began Wednesday’s meeting saying the Executive had to respect the wishes of the Chairman but at the same time, also had to take the issue of his resignation to the people.

Sources who attended the meeting stated they were very impressed with the tremendous strength showed by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Sources said it was a pity Political Leader Winston Dookeran missed such an important meeting. Dookeran was at the time on a walkabout in Rousillac.