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OPPOSITION LEADER Basdeo Panday left on Saturday to attend a human rights conference in New York scheduled for March 20 and 21 at St John's University. The conference is being hosted by the University's Centre on Latin America and Caribbean States, the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Gopio), and the Guyanese East Indian Civic Association. Gopio vice-president (TT) Dr Kumar Mahabir will present a report on human rights violations against East Indians in Trinidad at this conference.

Meanwhile, UNC officials in London informed Newsday that the party is currently "in the process of organising an international team of researchers, with expertise in various fields who shall guide the party in policy formulation in areas vital to TT's development." Local UNC sources said this initiative is similar to efforts undertaken by the ruling PNM in developing their Vision 2020 document. The UNC United Kingdom Support Group also expressed its support for Panday’s recent decision to remain as the party political leader. The UNC is due to hold internal executive elections in July, at which three deputy political leaders will be chosen.