UNC alderman: I have paid all my debts

In the last few weeks, several people have said they promised payment by Bidaisee for work done during his campaign in the months leading up to the election and on election day itself, November 28. However, speaking at the corporation yesterday, Bidaisee produced several receipt books showing dates and amounts paid to different people who worked with him.

The alderman said he paid more than 30 people for work done during his campaign. “I have all my receipts to show that I paid these people so for some to say I’m owing them, it’s wrong,” Bidaisee said. He told Newsday that the people who are making these claims are envious of his position.

“I am a little humble fella who the party’s political leader (Kamla Persad-Bissessar) trusted enough to put in this position and it’s just envy with these people,” he said, adding that he has always been a man of the people.

He is calling on the those who are claiming to be owed by him, to pursue the matter in the courts.

“I have nothing to hide, I have all my documents with me so if they want to take me to court, they are more than welcomed. My mission is not to be a millionaire, I want to help the people of Sangre Grande. That is all I want to do,” he said.

Newsday spoke to several persons who said they worked very hard campaigning for Bidaisee and are still awaiting payment.

Karen Samaroo said that besides campaigning for Bidaisee she worked as a street captain on the day of the local government election.

She was promised $600 for her work and claims she has received no payment.

“I have two children and I could not even buy toys for them for Christmas,” she said.

Samaroo said she tried contacting Bidaisee but claimed he has stopped answering her calls.

“I don’t mind if he told me to be patient but he hasn’t said anything to me at all. I’m here waiting and I don’t know what direction to go to take this further,” she said. Megan Seejattan said she was paid half $600 promised and did not get a receipt.

“I don’t know what those receipts show but I did not get any receipt,” Seejattan said.

She too, claimed to have tried contacting the alderman but was not successful.