She gave an address to supporters and reporters moments after being given her instrument of appointment at President’s House, St Ann’s by President George Maxwell Richards who called it “a most historic occasion”.
Long journey to the top
Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday replaced her ‘political guru’, Basdeo Panday, as Opposition Leader-a position she now adds to an impressive resume.
…Bas on the back bench, refuses to deal with Chief Whip Jack
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday pledged to return Trinidad and Tobago to a peaceful country under a UNC government.
Enill: Kamla not a problem
PEOPLE’S National Movement (PNM) chairman, Energy Minister Conrad Enill, said the ruling party does not feel threatened in any way by the appointment of Kamla Persad-Bissessar as Opposition Leader.
There is a ring of triumph in her name these days—and deservedly so. The Member of Parliament for Siparia, Kamla Persad-Bissessar has made history in Trinidad and Tobago politics once again. And each time that she has set a new standard it has been for positive, rather than negative reasons, another unusual feature in our politics.
Former opposition leader Basdeo Panday yesterday said he is willing to work with party leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, but only if Jack Warner accounts for the millions of dollars he received on behalf of the party and is removed as Chief Whip.
Speaking to the media yesterday after being appointed Opposition Leader, Persad-Bissessar said, ‘I would ask Mr Panday to reconsider moving to the back bench in the interest of the party. He has indicated that in the interest of the party he will work with us, we welcome that.’ Asked about Panday’s call for Warner to account for millions, she said, ‘I do not want to be today distracted by distractions of the past.’
Dream on, dream on…
By Keith Smith
Friday, February 26th 2010
Supposing, now we only supposing, a la Composer, the calypsonian, that Mr Panday has a moment of epiphany, that is, ’the sudden realisation or comprehension of the essence or meaning’’ of the political fall-out besetting him and stops his current flailing about, vexed and snarling as if somebody – anybody but he – did him something.
Not that it is not possible to feel for the man. Gone – the adoring crowds. Gone – the salaaming and sahibing. Gone the ’look, the boss’’ salutations. Not hard to imagine, then, the old ’Bas’’ pacing the house at nights, Oma dutifully calling:
’Boy, come in yuh bed. Yuh want to make yuhself sick or what?’’
Easy to empathise, yet. But that is the nature of the game. Supposed collaborators – friends even – failing to call. The invitations drying up. System-shock for a man used to taking – mistaking, really – attention for love – the attention now in the form of disdain, contempt even. Boy, Bas, life hard, yes.
Full Article : trinidadexpress.com
Congratulations to the new Opposition Leader Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar. This is such a remarkable achievement for all women the world over especially the Caribbean. The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar is indeed a remarkable woman who has always put the people first.
One must not forget the outgoing Oppositon Leader Mr. Basdeo Panday who has made it possible for The new Opposition Leader to reach this Milestone. I would also like to wish Mr. Panday good luck in his future endeavours.
Baltimore, MD
i want to know what on earth is going on in trinidad i live in the USA and the things i keep hearing and reading about mr manning is absolutely ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!! why hasnt they caroni workers gotten their money and WHY dont they all have their pension money mr manning you should be thrown out of your position and be in the position all these people are in!! I mean in all honesty everyone has to do what they think is right and bottom line is there is a GOD! thats all
Unlike you angel , I am happy for the delay , for think where the good Caroni workers would be today if the HCU executive crooks and bandits had gotten those thieving hands on our fellow nationals hard earned pensions like was done with unfortunate others before.
Since you live in the USA and all , perhaps you heard about your Floridian pal Harry Harranine and his billion dollar shenanigans. In case you conveniently failed so to do , here is a refresher.
http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2004/07/13/march.htm
Lord please ,save us from these Trini phonies!