Several constituents of Fyzabad MP Chandresh Sharma agreed yesterday with his resignation as Tourism Minister. Some even called for him to also step down as their MP.When a news team from the T&T Guardian visited his constituency yesterday, constituents had mixed reactions to the police investigation into an assault allegation against him by his ex-girlfriend Sacha Singh.However, they were mostly concerned that Sharma has not been doing anything for the people of Fyzabad. Sharma has been the incumbent MP for 23 years.
Junior Cadogan, who claimed he worked security for Sharma for seven years, said Sharma did the right thing by resigning. "You past always affects your future, but I feel ashamed that he is still operating as the Member of Parliament for Fyzabad. He should step down.Naresh Rambhajhan, who claimed he once campaigned for Sharma, said the former minister has done more for the people of Avocat and the people of Fyzabad.
"The wrong things he has done come back to haunt him. If I had money I would pay him to resign (as MP) and mind him too. However, Ayanna Glasgow, 23, said she did not know about the alleged assault incident or that he had resigned."I really think their are two sides of a story so I cannot say whether I agree with his resignation."Vano Ramlogan, however, said he is supporting Singh. "He should have resigned a long time now. I have no confidence in him. I glad for the woman, she has to get a thumbs up."
Snowcone vendor Baldeo Jagroopsingh said he is not bothered by Sharma's resignation. "Everybody keep complaining that he not doing anything in the area. This is an embarrassment to the constituency."Vishnu Mahadeo, 50, said he was happy Sharma resigned. "He has to resign with that type of allegation, he has to."Another constituent who gave his name as Sasa said: "We aint like that, that is our MP down here. She (Prime Minister) doing what she has to do, but I feel disappointed in him."
Party organiser speaks
When contacted, Haroon Awardy, constituency's party organiser, said Sharma was a hard worker and the constituency executive is saddened by his resignation."I do support his decision, but it is a very painful thing. For the past 23 years I have been supporting the minister. He was a hard-working minister. It is unfortunate this has happened.
Denying constituents claim that Sharma was a non-performer, he said: "That is untrue. All the infrastructure is in place. There is a high level of employment in the constituency. All the utilities functioning. What more you want? When last you hear about a protest in Fyzabad."