Ramesh: ‘Shocker’ for PNM and UNC

FORMER Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj disclosed that “a major shocker” is coming that will rock the political landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. Noting that both the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Opposition United National Congress (UNC) were preparing for internal elections, Maharaj told Newsday those elections would not help the PNM or the UNC to improve their political efficiency.

The former AG said it mattered little what long-term plans the PNM and UNC made because both of them had “a complete misconception” of how people “at the ground level” perceived the state of political affairs in TT. “In the next few weeks, I will make an announcement that will come as a major shocker,” Maharaj disclosed. However, Maharaj declined to give any further details on what that announcement would be. Since the 2002 General Elections, Maharaj has been interfacing with several community groups and embarked on what he described as a “crusade for social transformation and justice.” He however, opted to keep his National Team Unity (NTU) out of the July 14 Local Government elections. Maharaj’s activities increased following the closure of Caroni (1975) Limited in July when he offered to champion the cause of sugar workers and farmers. Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday told Newsday that Maharaj was using former Caroni workers to boost his political stock and draw UNC supporters into his fold. Maharaj has repeatedly denied that his actions were politically motivated.

Asked whether he thought the upcoming UNC internal elections would help the party solve its political problems, Maharaj was non-committal. Despite his slate being victorious in the UNC’s internal elections of June 6, 2001, Maharaj and his executive got the cold shoulder from Panday who reportedly wanted then St Joseph MP Carlos John as his deputy political leader. Following a retreat at the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre in Couva on Sunday, UNC chairman Wade Mark hinted that the party’s internal elections would be held by year-end. Panday has repeatedly stated his desire to retire from active politics at age 70. St Augustine MP Winston Dookeran is heading a 15-member committee to develop strategies to help the UNC return to government. Dookeran, who presented a paper on Sunday on “the way forward” has repeatedly been touted by UNC sources as Panday’s likely successor.