The Congress of the People's (COP) four members in the race for leadership of the party came under pressure from each other and party supporters on Friday night.The party held a joint platform meeting for its candidates-Anil Roberts, Prakash Ramadhar, Vernon De Lima and Nalini Dial-at the Arima Government Primary School after they discussed the topic: "COP's role in the People's Partnership."During the meeting there was a no-barred session where candidates were allowed to question each other on any topic. The moderator was Dr Indira Rampersad.
The members questioned Roberts if Jack Warner, Sadiq Baksh and Gerard Hadeed were funding his campaign and if the COP was up for sale.Roberts said thousands of COP supporters were rallying behind him to bring home victory and that, "Warner is a UNC and UNC has no business in the COP election."Roberts was also questioned about being "very critical of Dookeran" and now singing his praises.Roberts denied saying anything adverse in public about Dookeran, insisting that "it's just a rumour and old politics."De Lima waded into Roberts, asking why he did not attend national council meetings.
"Since you became vice chairman I have not received one invitation to any meeting. The leadership has not been performing for the membership," Roberts replied.Roberts was also questioned by Dial about whether he had regrets about the Nicki Minaj concert."Yes I had regrets. The population would not understand that anyone who would spend $876,000 on a concert has to be in St Ann's. What it meant that we as a people must respect our local food, culture, wear and products through 'Localise It'." Roberts said ordinarily to host a concert of that nature would have cost the country $3.4 million.
Clearly, most of the questions were fired at Roberts.Ramadhar was asked: "Can you stand up to Jack Warner?""History has shown that I have stood up against the hardest and strongest. I am afraid of no man or woman. When you have right on your side you can stand up for anything."Asked what were some of the leadership challenges she faced, Dial answered:
"I always have to face sexual harassment. My bosses always come on to me," causing COP members to erupt in uncontrollable laughter.Turning to Dial, Roberts told her she was a known animal lover and activist."When Our Worship the Mayor of Arima sat on a donkey, why didn't you say that this was not appropriate?"Due to the cheers and jeers of members, Dial asked Roberts to repeat the question, which he refused.De Lima had to appeal for order, stating that COP was a party of discipline.