Fuad Khan challenges Kamla for UNC leadership

FORMER Barataria/San Juan MP Dr Fuad Khan is challenging Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for the position of political leader in the United National Congress (UNC) internal elections set for June 26.

In confirming that he has thrown his hat in the UNC's election ring, Khan told Newsday that he had flown to the US to attend a medical training course and hence had someone file the nomination papers on his behalf.

"Yes, I have the receipt which shows I have filed my papers. I have filed for the post of political leader of the UNC," Khan said.

He told Newsday there is an ever-widening view within the party that Persad-Bissessar straddling the dual roles of Opposition Leader in the Parliament and political leader of the party had considerably weakened her ability to effectively carry out these functions.

"Quite a lot of members are not happy with the way the UNC is performing. They are not happy with the strategies of the political leader," Khan said. "They feel the leader can serve the party and country better by focusing all of her energies with her work in the Parliament as Opposition Leader, while there is another person who will embrace fully, the role of political leader to steer the party and give it the proper guidance it needs."

He said his intention, should he be elected, would be to embrace all the membership, including those who have been ostracised by the current leadership, for their perceived loyalty to the party's founder and first political leader, Basdeo Panday.

"My symbol for this elections is that of a smiley face, which symbolises happiness and all-inclusiveness. I want to bring those who have been ostracised back into the party fold. The others, their symbol is a star, and this star is that of a celebrity, which you have to bow down to," Khan said.

MOONILAL FILES TOO

Among others filing nomination papers at party headquarters at the M Rampersad building in San Fernando on Sunday were Persad-Bissessar and Dr Roodal Moonilal, the latter going up for one of three deputy political leader posts.

David Lee and Jearlean John have also filed for the post of deputy political leader, on the Persad-Bissessar slate. Dr Lackram Bodoe did not file for any internal positions, Newsday was told.

Senator Anil Roberts has thrown his hat in the ring for the northeast regional co-ordinator post, while MPs Khadijah Ameen and Ravi Ratiram filed for the posts of deputy chairman and party organiser, respectively.

Ameen said, “The objective is to return Kamla Persad-Bissessar as Prime Minister. We as a party must stand united — one party, one leader.”

Ratiram said, “Our party continues to grow as we are consolidating our base and our membership in preparing for whichever one of the elections is called first, local or general. We stand behind our leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to return good governance to TT.”

Resubmissions for the same posts contested at the last internal elections included Dave Tancoo for chairman, Sean Sobers for policy and strategy officer, Nicholas Morris for international affairs officer and Shanty Boodram for south regional co-ordinator,

Neil Gosine filed nominations for the post of treasurer, Taharqa Obika for Tobago regional co-ordinator, MP Barry Padarath for central regional co-ordinator, MP Saddam Hosein for research officer and MP Vandana Mohit for education officer.

Vasant Bharath, who contested the last internal election for the post of political leader, said he would not be contesting this election, while a previous deputy political leader contender, Ramona Ramdial, has filed for the post of elections officer.

Newsday understands there were other nominations from individual party members, but it was not confirmed if they would be contesting on any particular slate.
(Additional reporting by KEN CHEE HING)

UNC’s CURRENT NATEX:

Political leader - Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Deputy political leaders - Lackram Bodoe, David Lee, Jearlean John

Chairman - Dave Tancoo

Deputy chairman - Khadijah Ameen

Education officer - Dr Tim Gopeesingh (acting)

Party organiser - Ravi Ratiram

Elections officer – Don Sylvester

International affairs officer - Nicholas Morris

Policy and strategy officer - Sean Sobers

Treasurer - William Archie

Research officer - Monifa Andrews

South regional co-ordinator - Shanty Boodram

Northwest regional co-ordinator - Eli Zakour

Central regional co-ordinator - Imam Rasheed Karim

Northeast regional co-ordinator - Neil Gosine

Tobago regional co-ordinator - Bheemal Ramlogan