Months after she was accused of booting out the Panday clan from her team, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday appointed Subhas Panday to lead Government's business in the Senate. She made the announcement yesterday, after a tour of her Siparia constituency. While addressing scores of supporters at the Penal Quinam Government School in Mendez, Persad-Bissessar praised Panday for showing solidarity with the UNC throughout the pre-election period. "He is a loyal soldier to our party and to the people of T&T, and so we offer great thanks to him," the Prime Minister said. "I have announced to the media that Dr Roodal Moonilal will be the leader of Government business in the House of Representatives and today in our presence I have asked Subhas Panday to take the post of senator and to also be the leader of Senate business in the Republic of T&T."
She also said she had in mind the names of people who would be approached for the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as President of the Senate. She said, however, that this would be announced at a later time. The Prime Minister also urged citizens to work with her to rebuild T&T. Panday, who was present in Siparia, said Persad-Bissessar called him on Saturday and asked to meet with him.
"She made this offer and I considered it and accepted it with all humility," he said. "I feel so gratified that she has placed so much confidence in me...I feel honoured to be placed in this post and to have that sort of confidence being reposed in me, especially as leader of Government business in the Senate. "I promise her and I promise the country that I will do my best...in any circumstances, I will do my best."
Asked whether he was surprised by the offer, Panday hesitated and then said: "The Prime MInister had a good relationship with me from long time...I am more happy in this, than surprised." Asked what he intended to do in his capacity as Senate head, Panday said: "The first thing to do is to familiarise ourselves with all the senators and set an agenda for the caucus and we will discuss seating arrangements and so on." Beaming, he added: "It will be really nice to be opposite my good friend Penny Beckles. She is my good friend...we went to law school together and we will have a really nice time in the Senate. I am certain all senators will make contributions and the Parliament will be a hectic Parliament." Panday said he was healthy, and could not say as yet if his new post would affect his private practice as a lawyer.
Once Parliament is convened, Persad-Bissessar said she planned to establish legislation which would allow for a Life Fund for ailing children. "Parliament will be opening from 1.30 pm (Friday), and soon after that, the legislation will be brought in Parliament to give statutory effect to our promise for the Life Fund. But in the meantime, the lives of children who need surgery, we will assist you with it," she said. "We also promised that pensions will be increased to $3,000 and we will keep that as well, and we plan to look at pension reform as well." The Prime Minister urged citizens to work with her. "Take my hand and let us walk together and work together," she said. "We will put God in front and we will build our country from the bottom–from village to village, community by community."
She also said T&T was experiencing a cash flow problem, but added there would be an early budget which would set the priorities of the new Government. She said that all her promises, including a higher pension, would be upheld.