"I'm not my brother's keeper."That was former UNC leader Basdeo Panday's response on the dismissal of his brother Subhas Panday as People's Partnership Senate leader and junior minister.Panday and his daughter, Mikela, attended yesterday's launch of the new parliamentary session and were the centre of attention of many from the PNM as well as Government.Prior to the start of the session, PNM MPs came over to hug and shake hands with Panday as did others, including TOP leader Ashworth Jack and former House Speaker Barendra Sinanan (who once suspended Panday from Parliament).
After the launch, during a reception in the Red House rotunda, Panday was similarly greeted by many, including former PNM MP Diane Seukeran and COP leader Winston Dookeran with whom he spoke heartily.Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar passed by Panday once, but didn't stop at that point.On Persad-Bissessar's removal of his brother from the Government, Panday senior said: "I'm not my brother's keeper and the Pandays are well known for their fierce individuality and acting in accordance with their conscience and beliefs so they understand the consequences of their decisions."He said he was not sure if reshuffling the Cabinet would produce performance.
He added: "Since moving a person from one post to another may not do that. I don't think the problem is with the ministers, it's with the Prime Minister. "She must lead and have a vision, be able to inspire and have discipline and all of that is missing."Panday said the Prime Minister could exchange places with President George Maxwell Richards since the latter had told the Government what to do in his "throne speech"."I suggest he (Richards) take over the leadership of the Government," Panday added.Deeming the Government ineffective, Panday said Opposition leader Keith Rowley had failed in casting a new image for the PNM and the party remained weak.