The full text of Winston Dookeran’s statement to the media

Two issues — the proposed appearance of Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj on a public UNC platform and the dismissal of Robin Montano from the Senate — have caused emotions to run high and tensions to rise within the party. Mr Montano has been one of the most outspoken and effective Opposition Senators and I see no reason for his removal from the Upper House. Over the last 24 hours I have been consulting with party members at all levels. I share their dismay over the dismissal of Robin Montano from the Senate. The UNC has always distinguished itself from other political vehicles by allowing the freedom of speech and expression within its ranks. It is now perceived that to speak freely is to incur the wrath of the party. This perception is certain to undermine the confidence the members have placed in the leadership and we must not allow this perception to become a reality.

In addition, the proposal to hold a public UNC meeting on February 19 2006 will not in these circumstances, advance a process of sustainable unity within the party. We must ensure that any attempt at unity does not only achieve short term momentum but in fact helps to signal to the entire population that UNC is the only political vehicle in which all the legitimate political interests of this country are represented. We must find a political formula to embrace them all and that is how we can move forward together. As such, we must resist responding to populist sentiments for unity which would undermine sustainable unity both in the party and in the country as we move forward. I have written to the Chairman of the party, outlining in greater detail, my views requesting that he communicate to the Executive my call to cancel the meeting. I make this call in order to ensure stability within the UNC through the possibility of dialogue so that we can achieve sustainable unity based on principles in the party and in government.