UNC gets new home in San Fernando, moves away from Central Trinidad

THE United National Congress (UNC) which had its "navel string" buried in Central Trinidad, has found a new home., this time in the south.

Its new location is the M Rampersad Building at No 2-12 Hilda Lazzari Terrace, Les Efforts East, San Fernando.

This building was one of the party’s regional sub offices where screening for a lot of candidates for both local and general elections took place.

PRO Dr Kirk Meighoo said, “We were using the south office for a while and it made sense to move in. Because of covid19 we have been engaging with our public virtually and we have it all set up here.”

He said the central location was more cramped and did not have sufficient parking space so there was not much activity taking place there.
Party chairman Dave Tancoo denied the move had anything to do with the UNC’s inability to meet its monthly rent commitment.

“That is certainly not true.”

He said the San Fernando building was more convenient in terms of its space and parking facilities.

He said the party was always looking at establishing a permanent, fixed home but, given the current economic climate, that was a bit of a challenge.
To concerns that the new headquarters was on a compound that also housed a restaurant and bar, he said it was a huge compound with the party's headquarters and the bar on opposite ends.

“We are also located next to a gas station and people may have issues with that. But it is not where we are located but what we are doing that is important."
It is the first time in the history of the party that it has moved out of its central base.
The party which was founded by former prime minister Basdeo Panday, was evicted from its Rienzi Complex headquarters,  of which Panday was also the architect, after occupying a space there for 27 years.

Under the leadership of Kamla Persad-Bissessar the headquarters was moved to Lot 26 Southern Main Road, Exchange Village, Couva, where it spent some five years.