WHILE he has intentions to lead the United National Congress (UNC) one day, Mayaro MP Rushton Paray has thrown his hat in the ring to become one of the deputy leaders in the June 15 internal elections.
As he presented the United Patriots slate of candidate at Signature Hall, Chaguanas on May 25, Paray came with a basket of goodies, promising not only a headquarters for the party, but a school.
Attorney Kiel Tacklalsingh, who is contesting the position of policy and strategy officer, advanced a suggestion for a fixed date for holding internal elections to avoid the confusion which arose when Paray and other UNC members called for such elections.
In a seven-page snub to Paray and his team on May 25, UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she was also surprised that Paray was not aware that as political leader, she had always called internal elections when they were constitutionally due. He was also branded a "traitor," and said he was threatened with expulsion and legal action.
However, Paray insists he did nothing wrong when he called for internal elections, as he acted with the party’s constitution.
“There is no way anyone can fault me for wanting to build a better and stronger UNC and a better stronger Trinidad and Tobago.”
Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes-Alleyne, a member of United Patriots, said she was unable to understand why people were vex she and the others wanted to improve the party.
She said while members were "harping" on its gains between 2010 and 2015, when the UNC was part of the People's Partnership government, she wanted to know, "When are we going to start hearing about 2025? We would be in the same position we are in next year if we don’t start speaking about 2025.”
Paray said his slate's commitment to the party was unwavering. He also viewed the current challenges in the party as "opportunities in disguise," not obstacles.
"It is in the face of adversity that our true strength and resilience shine brightest.”
United Patriots announced its full slate of 17 candidates at Signature Hall, Chaguanas, on May 25. They include attorney Larry Lalla, who is vying for the post of chairman; Paray, Haynes and Ragbir for deputy political leader; Germaine Abdulla (deputy chairman), Dr Curtis Mancoon (treasurer); Kiel Taklalsingh (policy and strategy officer); William Archie (elections officer); Shanta Devi Seepersad (education officer); Jason Ali (research officer); Henry Awong (party organiser); Deochand Ramjit Singh (international relations officer); and Ricky Shanklin, Roshan Ali, Jarzinho Rigsby, Imran Mohammed and Chinelle Roberts for the regional representatives.
The UNC's leadership is not in contention on June 15, but Paray has previously signalled his intentions to vie for that post once it becomes available.
He admitted the decision to field a team of candidates came with pain. However, he said he had to decide between stagnation or progress.
“Because we do not want to spend one more unnecessary minute in opposition. We want to be in government.”
He said they had 18 months fo
