Senior Reporter
kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt
The fate of several Opposition MPs who have called for the restructuring of the United National Congress (UNC) continues to hang in the balance as they await word on the party’s internal elections and general election screenings.
Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes-Alleyne said while she is confident about her competence to represent her constituency for another term, she does not know if her support of the call for restructuring will affect her chances.
She said the national executive should become defunct in June. However, if screening for the general elections is done before the internal elections are called, her future as an MP is uncertain.
“The screening committee cannot be comprised of persons who no longer have a mandate as per our constitution. I am perfectly prepared and able to defend and advance my position as well as the work I have done in my constituency. You would hope that the process is fair, but to me, the question of how the committee will conduct itself, is a question for the committee,” she said
In addition to Persad-Bissessar, UNC’s national executive includes deputy political leaders Senator Jearlene John, Oropouche East MP Roodal Moonilal and Pointe-a-Pierre MP David Lee; the party chairman is Oropouche West MP Davendranath Tancoo, vice chairman Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen, General Secretary Peter Kanhai, Barataria/ San Juan MP Saddam Hosein, who is the party’s research officer, election officer Don Sylvester and treasurer Neil Gosine.
Haynes-Alleyne said she believes the UNC is a strong vehicle for national development and she does not see herself leaving the party. However, she will look at how things play out.
“The policies of the UNC, the vehicle that is the UNC is a strong vehicle for national development, so I see no reason to leave the vehicle that is the UNC but while you are there, the onus is on you to do whatever you can do make that vehicle better, so that is what I am doing. I don’t really see myself leaving but you have to again look at how things play out,” she said.
“What is critical for me is that members will have their say and once the members have spoken then I will assess that persons are allowed to participate and share their views of the party.”
Haynes-Alleyne was among 200 party members who filed nominations to represent the UNC at next year’s general elections.
Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally, who also filed nominations, said he continues to receive support from his constituents who believe the party must be reorganised and revitalised to win the next election.
Mayaro MP Rushton Paray and Naparima MP Rodney Charles have also called for the internal election to be held when it is constitutionally due in June.