Ramsamooj: Panday was 'a political gladiator'

POLITICAL analyst Derek Ramsamooj said the best tribute which could be given to former prime minister Basdeo Panday is remembering him as someone who devoted his life to fighting for a better future for all the people of TT.

Panday, 90, died on Monday.

In a WhatsApp reply, Ramsamooj said, "The nature of the man called Basdeo Panday would perhaps best be honoured by being remembered as a political gladiator within the hearts of the working TT citizen."

He added that no other tribute would be fitting for Panday.

"Bricks and mortar named after him will not be honourable to the spirit of the man."

Ramsamooj said, "Basdeo Panday's leadership was that of distinguishing service to country and the improvement of the quality of life for all citizens of TT."

He added that Panday displayed the characteristics of a true statesman during his political career.

"We can recall his statesman-like behavior in being part of the NAR (National Alliance for Reconstruction) government as well as being part of being the UNC government that included his former colleague ANR (Arthur NR) Robinson."

Before the 1986 general election, Panday stepped aside to let Robinson lead the NAR. The coalition defeated the PNM in that election 33-3.

After the 17-17-2 tie in the 1995 general election, Panday successfully brokered a deal with Robinson's NAR which saw its two seats combine with the UNC's 17 seats to form the new government and replace the PNM.

Ramsamooj said, "His (Panday's) quest has always been that of improving the lives of all citizens."

He said that was not limited to the sugar cane sector where Panday had his roots.

Ramsamooj said Panday's struggle involved a fusion between people in the sugar and oil sectors and the working class as a whole.

"He has made an invaluable contribution to the development of TT whilst understanding the true nature of the electorate."

Ramsamooj recalled that Panday was prime minister at a time when TT had to grapple with global oil prices that were under US$25 per barrel.

He said Panday was able to steer TT through those economically troubled waters.

"We should all demonstrate our gratitude for his intervention in the politics of our country when stability was needed especially during the period when he served as prime minister."

Ramsamooj said Panday's death represented the end of an era in TT's political history which was dominated by personalities such as Dr Eric Williams, Lloyd Best, Karl Hudson-Phillips, Robinson and himself.

"His charismatic style and populist appeal presents many lessons to all aspiring politicians."

He added this was not limited to TT but extended to other developing countries as well.

Ramsamooj said Panday was a rare breed of politician who was able to bridge the gap between several generations of people over the years.

Panday, he continued, had many famous quotes in his political career.

One of them was "politics has a morality of its own."

Ramsamooj said, "These words represent the political wisdom that his decades of experience brought."

In post on his Facebook page, criminologist Prof Ramesh Deosaran remembered Panday for his interest in curbing crime.

Deosaran's post included a photo of him shaking hands with Panday at the formal opening of the Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of the West Indies' (UWI) St Augustine Campus on February 24, 1997.

His post read, "PM Basdeo Panday and his interest in solving crime. Handshake congrats with Prof Ramesh Deosaran as founder and Director of UWI Centre of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Lost elections with plans soon after."