Ato runs with the UNC

"My track record shows that when a lot of things crumble around me, I tend to survive. I enjoy challenges," he said.

Boldon was immediately pitchforked in the seating arrangement in the Senate ahead of longstanding members Sadiq Baksh and Carolyn Seepersad Bachan, who have been critical of Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday.

Baksh told Newsday he could serve "from any seat" and Seepersad-Bachan said it was "unimportant" where she sat. Tim Gopeesingh took Baksh’s (old) seat, next to Minority Leader Wade Mark, while Boldon’s chair was fourth — next to Jennifer Jones Kernaham. Boldon was warmly welcomed by all sides. Government leader Dr Lenny Saith had this friendly warning for Boldon — "his distinguished career in athletics was different from politics, where one could run, but not hide."

The Senate — particularly the Independent bench and Baksh — also recognised the "outstanding" contribution of former Senators Robin Montano and Roy Augustus.

Attending the swearing-in were Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday and Jack Warner, the latter was instrumental in getting Boldon to serve. As Boldon took his seat after taking the oath, Panday and Warner embraced.

Speaking to the media after, Boldon said he was not fazed by the internal problems of the UNC.

He said he would only work with those who were willing to work with him and not seek to engage those who were not so minded. Boldon, who is not a member of the party that he now represents, said his agenda was not "about UNC or PNM." Saying that his concern was the youth and sport, Boldon, 32, said he felt he could be a bridge between the young and old in the country, and also between both parties (PNM and UNC).

On his future in politics, Boldon stated "If down the road I feel this is a way to make a concrete difference to my country, then by all means. I am going to put 100 percent into it," he said.

Asked if he would be moving permanently to Trinidad, Boldon, who also lives in the United States, replied that this was still to be worked out. He said he was involved in a programme called "Making A Difference" and this called for some travel. Boldon told Newsday that he was not an American citizen. He said he was not in politics to be in the papers or for political gain, but to "give back" some of the "blessings" he had received. He lamented that many young people felt the country didn’t care about them.

Boldon said he was asked often by people overseas why he was not made to do more for his country, and at times he wondered what was his real worth to his country. He denied however that he accepted the senatorship out of pique, or as a result of disappointment that things promised four years ago by the Government, when he was made an ambassador, never came to fruition.

Boldon said he wanted to invite Howard Chin Lee, Hazel Manning and Roger Boynes to work with him particularly during this "big year" of the World Cup.

Warner said when Augustus resigned, Panday indicated that he wanted someone young and articulate and named Boldon. At 5.30 pm on Monday, Boldon agreed.

Unaware that a substantial number of persons knew about Boldon’s appointment by early yesterday morning, Warner boasted that it was one of the best kept secrets and was indicative of the "new kind of discipline in the party."

Taking a dig at Augustus, Jack Warner said he was only informed "officially" about his (Augustus) resignation after the whole country knew — "at 10.50 am today" — "although we work in the same building."

Recalling that it was he (Warner) who suggested to Panday that he appoint Augustus a senator after the death of Armin Smith, Warner said, "I thought common courtesy required that he advise me (of his resignation). But I am not angry. I want to thank him for his six years of service," he said.