Supporters of the United National Congress (UNC) had a heated exchange over political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday at the party’s convention in Couva.
After Persad-Bissessar addressed hundreds of members at the Couva South Multi Purpose Hall, Pundit Donny Samlal complained to reporters that he had been barred from filing a no-confidence motion against the political leader. However, he was interrupted by Persad-Bissessar supporters and prevented from continuing the interview.
“We support Kamla. Kamla, nobody else,” one supporter shouted.
Other members went to Samlal’s defence and claimed that he was being pushed.
“Why you touching the man? Why are you pushing him?” asked attorney Larry Lalla.
Former MP Ramona Ramdial shouted: “What is wrong? That is not legal!”
Lalla had a brief exchange with one of the supporters and then walked of, saying: “Behave yourself.”
Before he was interrupted, Samlal said he had been waiting the entire evening to file the motion.
“However, we were blocked several times and bullied off the stage. This is a very disturbing aspect of our democracy because I represent the thousands of Caroni workers who were never given their VSEP packages,” he said.
Samlal said in 2010 to 2015 Caroni workers had supported and worshiped Persad-Bissesar who was then Prime Minister.
“We do love Kamla Persad-Bissessar but we do also believe that she is not going to take the party forward. Our children are suffering, we need to migrate from Trinidad and Tobago. We cannot even come out of our houses and we need strong, ethical young leaders to take us forward. We do not need a party that is suppressing the views of our people. We need them to be heard,” he said.
At that point, Samlal’s voice was drowned out by Persad-Bissessar supporters and the interview ended.
When she addressed party members earlier, Persad-Bissessar told them while they might not agree with one another they should show each other respect and love.