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United National Congress MP Fuad Khan has shrugged off some “shade” (criticism) throwing from Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to those she claimed didn’t want to work for the party when needed.
At last week’s UNC Monday Night forum in Chaguanas, Persad-Bissessar warned that non-workers wouldn’t get the first choice at election time and the UNC’s young members who labour would.
Commenting on the suggestion that he may be one of the MPs who was being singled out, Khan said, “If she was aiming at her MPs, so be it.
Maybe I’m one of those who needs to up my game. But I’m sure everyone would know who she’s speaking of.
Criticism is always warranted once constructive and is accepted.”
He added, “So it’s wonderful the leader has indicated she’ll be going forward with a young vibrant workforce who’ll work to take us back into government, as we’re all getting old.
It’d be apt to see young people like Khadijah Ameen and similar others participate if this is what the leader wants for the future.”
MP Ganga Singh, who’s clashed with UNC hierarchy several times and was shifted to the end of the party’s Parliamentary backbench, declined comment on the issue.
Also contacted on the issue, Congress of the People (COP) leader Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan said, “We’ve already indicated that as we refocus COP we’re talking to everyone concerned with developing solutions for T&T.”
UNC officials said Persad-Bissessar and several other MPs have gone to Florida for a fundraiser in preparation for forthcoming election-related activities. She’s expected back this week.
Last Friday, Persad-Bissessar also came in for criticism from Government Ministers Paula Gopee-Scoon and Camille Robinson-Regis for alleging a minister’s wife worked for a certain company which got state contracts. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed his wife was a consultant with such a company but denied preferential treatment given to any company.
Gopee-Scoon said Persad-Bissessar omitted to say that one of the contracts awarded to the firm in question was under Persad-Bissessar’s administration. She also alleged some PP spouses benefited from contract awards in Persad-Bissessar’s tenure.
Robinson-Regis condemned Persad- Bissessar’s claim of a PNM “wives’ club,” saying it insinuated women are incapable of holding their own and earning their own keep in the administrative hierarchy.