Political Leader of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) Makandal Daaga says he will walk away from the People's Partnership Government, "if I feel my people are being betrayed."He also promised to speak out if the party loses its direction during its first term in office.Daaga, who signed a declaration which affirmed the commitment of five political parties to contest the May 24, 2010 general election, was commenting about the party's 14-month performance in an interview at his Duke Street, Port-of-Spain, office last Wednesday.Bestowed with the position of Cultural Ambassador to Caricom by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Daaga said while the party has performed superbly, some of its promises have not been kept. Each party must take blame for this, he said.He describes himself as the "Shadow Minister" for Laventille, a community in which he has spent his entire life.
The shortcomings
Daaga said one shortcoming of the Government was its failure to build early childhood centres.Another error made was not communicating with the masses, so citizens could better understand the challenging state of the economy, which they inherited from the PNM."The conditions we met the country in, did not permit us to fulfil the promise of 'We Will Rise'. What the population has realised is that a lot of the promises made are impossible with the condition of the country. Everybody is protesting for change. People expect miracles to be performed."Against a backdrop of beautiful African sculptings, Daaga said the PM's election mantra "We Will Rise" gave people high expectations. Some of these people are still suffering today."We wanted the people to see us as a vehicle of change. What we did not calculate was the speed in which the vehicle took off."
Support the PNM?
In the last two decades, Daaga said citizens suffered with the PNM's wanton corruption, which the PP was trying to root out.As long as NJAC remains a part of the coalition, Daaga said he would ensure that all sections of society be treated fairly and equitably."If I am convinced in any way that the party has lost direction and is affecting a particular race in this country, I will make it known. If I feel that my people are being betrayed, I will leave," said Daaga, who admitted to lifting the conscience of Black people in T&T.Involved in politics for more than 40 years, Daaga spoke of the sacrifices Indian people made. "I will never ever use my lips to criticise the Indian community for what they have achieved or not."
He said he hopes there will be no obsession with race at the expense of citizens.
Daaga said while some people have expressed disenchantment with the party, T&T was destined to see better days ahead.A sarcastic Daaga challenged those who voted for the PP and were now expressing dissatisfaction with the PM's leadership to support the PNM."Take my word for it. I cannot see a man or woman ignoring the party and going back to the PNM."Daaga sees the party going the distance."Unless we foolishly do things, which we are not going to do...We have to stay the course."
No minister shouldobject to reshuffle
Commenting on the recent Cabinet reshuffle, Daaga said it was a constitutional requirement and that no minister should object to being shifted since they entered the Government to serve the people and nation."We must always remember we are the servants of the people. This is something we have not understood as yet."Daaga said one re-alignment worried him to no end and upon checking he had to applaud the PM for her stance. "I try to analyse the Prime Minister...to understand what she is experiencing. I would not like to be in her position...every move she makes, people think it is victimisation and discrimination."He said whatever decision the PM makes, she would have to "bear the cross of her mistakes."Daaga said for now, he would have to give the PM the benefit of the doubt with her decision making.