‘Brotherhood by the boat’

UNC leader and political obstructionist extraordinaire, Basdeo Panday, never ceases to amaze. Now if he chooses to “sleep with the devil” in order to further his political ambitions and schemes, who am I, or you for that matter, to question the man’s philandering preferences? I, for one, couldn’t give a damn if the fellow chose “to sleep (metaphorically or otherwise) with all the devils in hell” provided he gets the “all clear” from the family planning units on both sides of the fiery curtain. However, even Panday should draw the line when it comes to exhuming political ghosts like those of the late Lionel Seukeran and the Sinanan brothers (Mitra and Bengal Tiger Ashford). That is more reprehensible when you consider that Panday’s purpose is to launch a vitriolic attack on their memories and smear them as, “Indians who sold out their race (parden me, ethnicity or is it tribe?) for the crumbs of office or patronage”. Actually, Seukeran and the Sinanans are merely “collateral damage” and the primary targets are daughter Diane and relative Barry, junior minister and Speaker, respectively. Panday sees no contradiction in complaining that persons of Indian descent are being excluded from important positions and publicly attempting to decry them as ethnic pariahs if they chose to occupy prestigious positions and put country before party, or more specifically, Panday’s party. One recalls how Panday appeared to have gone ballistic because an Indo-Trini associated with the then PNM administration chose to sport a jerri curl hair style.

Incidentally, Diane Seukeran said recently that although she doesn’t share Panday’s politics, she felt a certain pride in knowing that someone of Indian descent had at last occupied the Prime Ministerial chair. I suppose that not a few persons of Indian descent, across the political spectrum, and even not a few persons (not of Indian descent) must have wished Basdeo Panday well. But Panday has only himself to blame that he flattered only to deceive, and, in the end, “blew it!” From being perceived as a political loose cannon the perception graduated to that of a local political weapon of mass destruction. As to Panday’s attempt to characterise the late Lionel Seukeran as “a sell-out Indian,” I’m reminded of a story told to me by an old, retired policeman. Said he, “Don’t take those politicians seriously. I was on duty at the Red House and I witnessed Dr Williams and Lionel Seukeran going at each other as if they wanted to fight. Later, that night, I happened to be included in Dr Williams security detail.” To the policeman’s surprise, they ended at Seukeran’s house where there was some sort of party going on and Williams was warmly greeted by Seukeran. It was hugs and backslapping, as Seukie called out to bring the best whisky for Bill. In characteristic style, Williams retorted, “I don’t want whisky, bring me rum because I’m drinking local.”

This anecdote meshes with a videotape of an interview with Seukeran in which he elaborated on the camaraderie and mutual respect that existed between himself and the Doc. They asked for and gave no quarter in the legislative chamber (now parliamentary chamber) but where the national interest was concerned, there could have been a meeting of the minds. Seukeran spoke of the discussions at Malborough House re Independence. At one stage, Dr Rudranath Capildeo, who appeared to be under the influence of “the obstructionists” was assuming some very obstinate political postures. Seukeran turned to Capildeo and said, “Man, I heard that you were mad, but now I know for sure.” In fairness to Dr Capildeo it ought to be pointed out that he appears not to have been interested in politics and was virtually pitchforked into the political leadership position so that a distinguished “Indian Chieftain” could be the Indian counterpoise to the supposed “African Chieftain.” Ironically, Dr Williams might have been much amused to hear that he had been unofficially anointed as a local “African Chief.” I was more than a little amused to read a report that Patrick Manning was letting it be known that he has Indian relatives too. It’s generally known that Dr Williams can claim French aristocracy in his family bloodline. Some years ago I saw a photograph in a local newspaper of an old woman who, at a glance, could be mistaken for someone who had travelled on the Fatel Razack. According to the caption, she was one of the Doc’s grandmothers or great-grandmothers. Dr Williams was still alive at the time and there was not even a ripple of reaction from any quarter. I’m in no position to confirm or deny the authenticity of the photograph. If authentic and not an editorial or other lapse, then the Doc, according to Brother Marvin, could well be a “brother by the boat” and somewhere along the line could be found some fellow in a dhoti kneeling before a jhandi.

See how far I’ve strayed from the Panday story. Panday has pooh-poohed the idea of historians writing “history” and expressed the view that those who participated in historical events (meaning, I suppose, the politicians) are in the best position to appreciate “the nuances.” Patrick Manning has hinted at the prospect of government facilitating former President Arthur N R Robinson’s recording of his memoirs and, unless I’m mistaken, also former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday’s as well. I rather suspect that corresponding chapters dealing with the 18-18 deadlock and the ill-fated “Crowne Plaza Accord” should be quite interesting, if not controversial. President Robinson was overwhelmed with unsolicited advice, mostly absurd and not least from “the intellectuals” but he went on to take his own counsel, giving rise to much jubilation in some quarters and much weeping and gnashing of teeth in others .... “Drag yuh bow, Mr Fiddler.”