KAY-MARIE FLETCHER
Senior Reporter
kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt
Opposition MPs Dinesh Rambally and Rushton Paray have left their constituents torn after challenging Kamla Persad-Bissessar over her leadership and internal elections in the United National Congress.
Yesterday, Guardian Media visited Rambally’s Chaguanas West and Paray’s Mayaro constituencies to find out how residents there feel about their actions.
In Felicity, which falls in Chaguanas West, constituents said Rambally no longer had their support.
In fact, some said he was no longer welcome in the community.
Anthony Ramkillawan, 58, of Felicity, said Rambally had done nothing for the community and had no right to challenge Persad-Bissessar’s leadership.
Ramkillawan said, “Kamla do things that he (Rambally) could never do, so what he talking about? He never even come and see about a drain or a road here, so what he talking about? Them is young, young fellas and they ain’t do nothing in this area. We grow up and born in this area. They ain’t do nothing.”
One 76-year-old community activist, who asked not to be named, said those questioning Persad-Bissessar’s leadership were newcomers whom he accused of attempting to take over the party.
“This is a stronghold UNC area and I am of the opinion that the people will still support the UNC and Kamla Persad-Bissessar. These people who are going against her and saying they want the internal election right away, they are the people who just came in the party recently, and if Kamla is the boss and Kamla say the important thing is to start to see about the general election then I agree with her. Put this internal election aside. Them is fly by night politician. You now come and you want to take over, it’s not so. You have to work hard.”
And one businessman said, “If Rambally come down here, we will run him.”
But other residents praised Rambally for his work.
They called for Persad-Bissessar to step aside.
Felicity resident Nelson William, 70, said, “We MP does treat we good. I will support the MP. To me, she (Persad-Bissessar) should give the younger people a chance ... We don’t want to put her out entirely but give the younger people a chance.”
Another Chaguanas West constituent said, “I think what Rambally is doing is good. He is a very good man. He is an intelligent man. Kamla time gone. She’s tired now. She lame. Now she can’t do a thing. She can’t even get up and walk on her own.”
But in Mayaro and its environs, residents were sticking behind their MP.
They were full of praise for Paray who they said always helped the sick and poor. They also called for the UNC political leader to make her exit.
Rio Claro resident Narine Mahabir said, “I find Kamla Persad-Bissessar should be a big woman and let the people decide. Paray do plenty for the people in the community of Rio Claro and Mayaro. He do plenty work for the people. You could go to him anytime and he will give you a clear hearing, whatsoever you need. So it’s an unfair thing they doing to Paray. It’s time for Kamla to not step down, step out. It’s time for the youth to run the party. It’s a new generation now.”
Mayaro resident Kenton Carribon said, “Rushton Paray is a suitable MP for Mayaro and I give him my support.”
Another constituent, Ayanna Lewis, said, “I think he does come out in the community and support his people. He always assists people in the community in all different ways.”
Debbie Seeraj added, “He is a good person to make that change because he’s younger, he’s intelligent, he speaks for the people of the country. He don’t be biased. He’s for everybody. If UNC do not remove Kamla and put someone else as the political leader, UNC will not be in government again.”
Bristol village resident Sylva Garcia said, “I can’t say nothing bad about him. He comes in the area and talks to everybody, smiles with everybody and I wish all the luck ... If it (internal elections) is due, it should be called. They shouldn’t wait until the general election. I don’t believe they could win the election in 2025 with the leader they have now.”
Last week, Rambally and Paray filed their nominations in the hope of being re-selected to represent the UNC. However, they both believe speaking out against Persad-Bissessar could be political suicide.