Thanks, Kamla, now step down

Hillary Clinton came second in the US presidential election.

Let us examine the losses under TT ’s present Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar: * The 2013 THA election. (PNM won all 12 seats.) * The 2013 local government election. (In 2010 the UNC had control of 11 regional and municipal corporations. In 2013 it lost five corporations and in Monday’s election it only took control of six of the 14 corporations.) * The Chaguanas West by-election of 2013. (This was evidence of a dying UNC and leader.) * The St Joseph by-election in November 2013. (Was Ian Alleyne set up as a proverbial sacrificial lamb for the slaughter?) * The 2015 general election with the unsuccessful “No Rowley” campaign. (The late selection of candidates in key marginal seats and continued selection of unfavourable candidates did not help.) * Defeat in the courts when the UNC attempted to go back to the polls in five marginal seats on the premise that the extension of voting time by the Elections and Boundaries Commission on Election Day had influenced the results. The High Court and the Court of Appeal disagreed with the UNC leader.

* Loss in Monday’s local government election is now added to the portfolio. PNM 7, UNC 6 (tie in Sangre Grande). Of course the UNC will claim victory.

Winning the party’s internal leadership election must be noted as a reprieve but not a national victory.

One thing Persad-Bissessar has learned from her “maha guru” is never have a definite deputy. Have everyone fighting like crabs in a barrel. Divide and rule.

Maybe the UNC is most comfortable in opposition. It sure looks that way.

Unity is almost impossible because of the continued existence of “Arkatias” in the party. Jack Warner found that out the hard way.

The Opposition Leader should resign from party leadership yesterday.

Do what is right because it is right. Party before person.

As I look around I am not seeing anyone capable and worthy of leadership but then maybe I am not looking hard enough and in the right direction.

To be a government in waiting the UNC needs to be rebuilt totally from the ground up. A new engine with synthetic oil and a new anti-corrosive body must be acquired. A new leader, new leadership, new faces, new vision and a totally reformed structure.

One must know when it is time to throw in the sponge. Leave with your dignity. Thank you Opposition Leader for all the arduous work you have done from a very grateful nation.

AV RAMPERSAD Princes Town