?Political leader of United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Leader of the Opposition Basdeo Panday will not be moved to the backbenches when his appointment is revoked. "Not at all, not al all," she said when asked about the issue yesterday. Persad-Bissessar is expected to replace Panday as Opposition Leader this week, after a letter is sent to President George Maxwell Richards, indicating that she had the support of most of the Opposition MPs. Persad-Bissessar secured the support of the eighth MP, Caroni East MP, Dr Tim Gopeesingh, at the weekend. Panday said yesterday he was committed to serving his constituents, and would have more time to do so in the coming days. He said he was convinced that the UNC, which he established 20 years ago, was going to "crack up," based on the developments taking place in the party.
He said, however, he was prepared to adopt a "wait and see" approach, and "was not too concerned with where I sit. Those matters are childish matters. I am more concerned with what I say when I speak." When Persad-Bissessar assumes the role as Opposition Leader, she'll be creating history as the first woman in T&T to hold that office. Seating arrangements in the House of Representatives are expected to change as well, as Persad-Bissessar will move to her right and take the seat occupied by Panday. Couva South MP Kelvin Ramnath, who remains loyal to Panday, said weeks ago that he would be prepared to move to the back benches when Persad-Bissessar became Opposition Leader.