QUIT THE UNC

This is the advice given to UNC Political Leader, Winston Dookeran, by former MP Hulsie Bhaggan and UNC MP Gillian Lucky, both of whom previously clashed with Basdeo Panday.

Bhaggan told Dookeran that there was an "orchestrated attempt to humiliate him and frustrate him into leaving politics."

However, in a letter to Dookeran, she urged against this course of action, saying: "Form your own party and invite civic-minded citizens to join you. You can do it! Demonstrate that you have the courage and the will to do it. The country is looking for a leader like you. You are fortunate to have the support of so many Members of Parliament. Do not allow that goodwill to slip away."

Lucky stated that it was time for a new party. "Win, lose or draw. Because those who are fighting in the party should realise that they are not fighting an institution, but a man who feels that politics has its own morality and therefore he does not have to account to anyone," she said. (With Panday) there could be no change within the UNC, and she urged those who were serious about change to walk "with their integrity intact."

Bhaggan, who expressed "unequivocal support" for Dookeran, said: "You are humble, respected, knowledgeable, a team player. You have a global perspective and vision. It’s time you relegate the UNC to the status of the DLP. Ali Baba and the 40 thieves will have to ride into the sunset. Even if there is a large crowd at the rally on Sunday, do not let that deter you."

Ironically, Bhaggan’s entry into the Parliament was at the expense of Dookeran whom she had beaten at the polls in 1991. At that time Dookeran belonged to the NAR and Bhaggan was a rising star in the UNC. Bhaggan subsequently fell out with Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday and his Chief Whip, Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, and formed her own political party. She had no electoral success however.

In a letter to Dookeran, Bhaggan said: "The UNC is his (Panday’s) private property which has been mortgaged to the court. Ramesh’s return has nothing to do with politics. Panday is interested in getting a good lawyer to get him off the hook. Unfortunately Ramesh is taking the bait. Ironically, I think Ramesh is an asset, only if he is working with you and Bas is out of the picture."

Bhaggan asked, "How long must the citizenry allow its intelligence to be insulted by the shenanigans of this jaded politician? Those who are attempting to breathe life into this dying monster are without shame. For him, unity means ‘agree with whatever I say’.’’ She said whenever someone disagreed with Panday they were accused of being "closet PNM" and his "myopic, fanatical supporters accept that."

Bhaggan said the country was crying out for leaders who put country before self.

This last sentiment was echoed by UNC MP Fuad Khan. Khan said he felt indifferent to politics now because both Panday and Manning were pursuing selfish agendas and not serving the people. "Only God knows where we heading. What a mess! Where is the integrity?" he asked, referring to the two main parties.

"A leader must know when it is time to go and not let his ashes choke the fires they (once) lit. PJ Patterson, Edward Seaga knew when to go," he said.