Dookeran opposes UNC non-cooperation

ST JOSEPH MP Gerald Yetming is apparently not the only Opposition parliamentarian who disagrees with the UNC’s strategy of non-cooperation with Government unless there is constitutional reform in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to documents obtained from his internet website, St Augustine MP Winston Dookeran appears to share Yetming’s views on that matter. In an exclusive Newsday interview last month, Yetming said the UNC’s strategy of non-cooperation in Parliament on key legislation was not working in the Opposition’s favour. That strategy was implemented by UNC leader Basdeo Panday shortly after the party lost the October 2002 general elections and since then, Panday has also called upon citizens, on several occasions, to engage in a campaign of civil disobedience. Yetming subsequently suggested that a strategy of conditional support might be more effective.

According to his speech at the launch of the UNC’s election manifesto on September 29, 2002, Dookeran appears to be have been opposed to such a strategy since then. Dookeran stated: “The UNC must now reject the politics of senseless confrontation and embrace the politics of peace, putting shoulder to the wheel to build a society. One which would be a model to the world.” Also in that speech, Dookeran said the UNC “must now reject the politics of monolithic parties which equate their interest with the national interest” and “embrace the new politics of coalitions.