Dookeran welcomes Panday’s unity call

On Saturday, Panday had intervened seconds before a vote of no-confidence was due to be made against Dookeran by the party’s Women and Youth Arms at the Couva South constituency offices.

Panday said he was calling a “ceasefire” between the national executive, led by Leader of the Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the Dookeran-led fraction.

And speaking to reporters shortly after presiding over a massive rally at the Hindu Credit Union (HCU) Convention Centre, Freeport yesterday, Dookeran said there was still enough time to heal the rifts within the party in time for the next General Elections campaign in 2007.

“As soon as I speak with Mr Panday, I will be very happy to discuss how we can proceed but I reserve my comments until I speak to him,” he said.

However, earlier Dookeran told the thousands who had gathered from as early as 1pm at the Convention Centre, that he had “no fear” of losing his office since he had been given a mandate to unite both the party and the country.

He said unity must be anchored in the principles of integrity and ideals with “one direction, one leader and one party.”

Dookeran also revealed that a “national congress” would be held aimed at canvassing the various interests groups in a collective effort, aimed at rescuing the country from the Manning regime. Dookeran said the congress would chart the way forward and be open to everyone wishing to join the movement towards a “new and brighter day for the country.”

“All of the various interest groups must stand together to reclaim our country. We all have to live together or we will all perish as fools,” he said.

Asked, following the meeting, whether he was encouraging the emergence of a new party, Dookeran said the national congress “will bring all of the interests parties together.”

Meanwhile, expelled national executive member, and former senator, Carol Cuffy-Dowlat, also welcomed Panday’s call for unification discussions saying the timing was never too late for open discussions.

“We must have a united front to fight the PNM and I support the call for unity 100 percent,” she said.