Booed Dookeran wants back Montano

In a 45-minute speech at the UNC’s Mid Centre Mall, Chaguanas rally, Dookeran said he attended "out of respect" for the party’s supporters. Dookeran said recent developments in the party had left him bewildered. He outlined those issues as the firing of Montano, the resignation of Roy Augustus, the parting of Gillian Lucky and Faud Khan, the Gerald Yetming party election matter and the threat to remove Chief Whip Ganga Singh.

Receiving a reception that could only be embarrassing for any leader from his supporters, Dookeran put on a brave face and summoned all the courage he could muster, as he proceeded with a speech that to most "was the airing of the party’s dirty linen."

Dookeran insisted that in difficult times Montano and Augustus served the party with "loyalty and distinction." He applauded them for "their selfless service" to the party and Senate. When he announced his intention to discuss with Panday the return of Montano, the jeers of hostility echoed around the Mall. But Dookeran soldiered on.

He said he had invited Augustus to be his special advisor on political matters. To continuing taunts from supporters, who insisted that he leave and shut up, Dookeran stated categorically that Singh had been "one of the most effective Chief Whips that our Parliament has ever seen. He has performed the role with great distinction." Demonstrating his leadership status, Dookeran also called on Lucky and Khan to "return to the fold" of the party, "as we build a grand new coalition to take charge of this country."

He said he was also looking forward to the return of Yetming to the front benches of Parliament, and his active participation in the party’s affairs. He insisted the issues surrounding the members required immediate attention.

Dookeran said the politics of the UNC had "gone sour" and yesterday’s meeting had the potential to "deepen our crisis."