Ramesh: UNC needs overhaul

FORMER UNC deputy political leader Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj yesterday said “masses” of UNC grassroots supporters are telling him that the party must be completely overhauled, from top to bottom, if it is to have any chance of wresting political power away from the PNM. He described reports that he was being wooed by top UNC officials, including sitting parliamentarians, to return to the fold as total fabrications.

Maharaj said he has only been speaking with UNC supporters who have told him that the party cannot take advantage of any of the Government’s failings because it is no longer seen as a credible political organisation in the eyes of many citizens. UNC supporters, Maharaj continued, believe that only a totally reformed UNC or a third political force could defeat the PNM in the next general elections, constitutionally due in 2007.  He said he plans to discuss these two options through a series of cottage meetings throughout the country with all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. Maharaj dismissed suggestions from Opposition Chief Whip Ganga Singh that his new party was stillborn, saying discussions about this new political vehicle are continuing and he expects to make an announcement on the matter early next year at a major convention.