Panday cries for Dookeran

Panday did so after a no confidence motion against Dookeran was put to members at the UNC National Assembly at Rienzi Complex in Couva.

But this was initially met with strong opposition as the large crowd for over 15 minutes refused Panday’s request, shouting, “No, he has to go!”

But a highly emotional Panday pleaded, “Please listen to me. I beg you. I beg you, give me a hearing.” This is the third time that Panday has blocked a motion to throw out Dookeran.

But the crowd was unmoved. They stood up and some members even began walking out of the function. At this point, the entire executive, including Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar, Deputy Political leaders Wade Mark and Jack Warner, Vice Chairman, Vasant Maharaj and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, encircled Panday at the podium.

Outstretching their hands towards the crowd, they too pleaded with the crowd to calm down. In tears, Panday told members, “Please listen to me you have nothing to lose to give him (Dookeran) one more chance. If we remove him (Dookeran) now we are playing into their hands. They could tie us up in court for months and even years.”

Wiping his nose, he added, “You are putting me through fire and brimstone.”

Panday advised that the party’s general secretary extend a written invitation to Dookeran inviting him to attend a meeting with the party’s executive on Wednesday to discuss the leadership issue.

“Telling him if he doesn’t come you will take him to the disciplinary committee to deal with you in accordance with the constitution,” he added.

This was met with thunderous applause by members who subsequently agreed to afford Dookeran another chance.

Panday, at the beginning of his address, had told members following the last unity talks he had with Dookeran he wrote a letter to him (Dookeran), outlining what he understood to be Dookeran’s demands for a unified party.

Among other things, Panday said Dookeran wanted to be acknowleged as the undisputed leader with full support from the executive, to be the Opposition Leader and that Panday distance himself from party business.

In a subsequent letter, Panday said Dookeran did not agree with his (Panday) interpretation of what transpired in the meeting. He also denied making any demands.

Inspite of his failed attempts with Dookeran to unite the party, Panday said history would not forgive them if they did not try to unite the UNC.

Panday also rejected a motion, unanimously passed by the Assembly, rejecting his resignation as UNC Chairman.

“Spare me the indignity of office. But if it becomes imperative I will unhesitantly do so, in whatever position (in the party) be it Chairman, political leader or otherwise.