UNC names CEO

FORMER North-West Regional Health Authority chairman, Dr Tim Gopeesingh has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of the Opposition UNC. The decision was taken at the UNC’s national executive meeting at Rienzi Complex, Couva on Wednesday. Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday said the move was part of the UNC’s restructuring as the party positions itself to win control after the next general elections in 2007. Recent North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) polls have shown the UNC suffering a massive defeat to the ruling PNM in the next general elections, with the party only being able to muster 12 seats out of a proposed total of 41 seats.

The polls have said the UNC’s only chance to reverse this outcome is for Panday to step down as leader and for his one-time deputy, Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj returning to the fold to take his place. Both men have said there is no chance of either event happening. Speaking briefly after Friday’s ceremonial opening of Parliament at the Red House, Gopeesingh agreed with Panday that his post would allow for greater internal governance of the party. Fyzabad MP Chandresh Sharma has been appointed as the UNC’s deputy CEO.