Episode Transcript
[00:00:01] Speaker A: The best insight, instant feedback, accountability.
[00:00:04] Speaker B: The all new talk radio Freedom 106.5.
[00:00:08] Speaker C: Joining us at this point in time, a gentleman, he's been with us on numerous occasions.
He's joining us again this morning to talk about something that transpired last Friday and has become very, very controversial over the weekend with the comments and statements being issued back and forth and everything else. Let's welcome back to our program Mayaro MP Rushden Pari. Good morning to you. MP good morning and welcome to the show.
[00:00:33] Speaker A: Hi. Good morning. Good morning. Satish, my apologies. I'm not sure what's happening.
[00:00:38] Speaker C: I have no idea. But it seems like it's a real task to get you on the air this morning. But it's nice that we do have you with us.
And the conversation obviously pertains to all that has transpired. These latest developments taking place within the UNC and with the vote on Friday and who didn't come and why didn't come and what was said after. And the whole big brouhaha has turned into yet another raging controversy. Yesterday we spoke to Anita Haynes first for her to give her explanation of what transpired. And having you on this morning is intended to getting, I don't want to say to get to the bottom of this thing, but getting different perspectives because we've heard in a very real way what was said on Sunday and subsequent to that, some of the comments that are being made, you had to, I think it was on Monday, issue a press release to give your side of what transpired.
So let's, let's begin there for people who may have missed the press release and all that was said, sure.
As we say in parlance, local parlance, where are we went on, man, on Friday.
[00:01:45] Speaker A: All right. So, I mean, I can't speak on behalf of anybody else but myself.
So there is normally a procedure for private members day. Private members day goes until 06:00. And the, that is a day that the opposition has full and total control of the agenda.
So the chief whipper, by normal practice and procedure, manages the events on that day.
How does he do that? We have a little chat group that he would, when an order paper comes out, he would normally issue a notice to all mp's. Ladies and gentlemen, this is on the docket for debate on Friday.
These are the persons who have spoken before.
Those are the persons that I highlight him to speak on that day. Anybody else who wish to speak, please prepare. That's it.
On that day, as far as my information on my instructions was that we were continuing a debate on a private motion on health, a number of colleagues would have spoken.
Prepare to speak anybody else who want to speak on that.
So, as far as I was aware, there was no other item on the docket for the debate on that day, while the government would have placed this issue of the auditor general on the other paper, what you call a supplemental order paper.
Historically, when the parliament places these issues on the order paper, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be up for the debate on the next occasion, because there are matters on the order paper that are months old. So it is really, you know, impossible to decide what is going to be debated unless the chief whip has a conversation with the leader of government business and there's an agreement that certain things will happen. So in and around minister six, in my estimation, I mean, I head back to Mayaro after every debate with no knowledge that there was to be a debate beyond that. I exited the parliament and hello, I was present on Friday.
I supported all of my colleagues. I mean, even when our political leader spoke, I sat on my desk and I beat the table like it was a chutney show in support of all the critical matters that she raised.
I keep saying that whatever are our internal challenges in the party in terms of, you know, what we've been asking for, we remain a strong force to fight and attack the P and M at all times in the parliament. And when I sit in the parliament, I am in support of every single one of my colleagues, whatever happens outside of the parliament, and I maintain those are matters to the party. And as the political leader had indicated, that she is handling this matter internally. So, I mean, it is unfortunate that the debate happened. I wasn't there. If you look at my record as well in the parliament, I have a very good, long history of parliamentary debates keeping the PNM to account. I voted on several bills as well. So, I mean, that is what I stated in my release, and that is what happened. But I want to tell the population and the membership, the wider membership of the UNC, that I remain strong and a committed member of the UNC, and I will continue to support my parliamentary colleagues when we sit in fighting the PNM for good governance in this country.
[00:06:12] Speaker C: Well, the dialogue in some sectors and even here on the radio seeks to accuse you and the four other MP's of conspiracy, seeks to accuse you all of conspiring deliberately to not be there for this vote to take place. That's the impression that has been given by the opposition leader and others as well. In fact, in today's newspaper, there is a story on page a six that is headline. It's captioned, don't try that. And it speaks about the release issued by Kamala Pasadena and David Lee. In this story, you have MP's DaVinci Natanko and Saddam Hussein.
Both are saying that they were well aware that this debate was going to take place promptly at six in the story. That's what they're saying. But there's a bit of information that's, that's, that's a bit, I don't know how, how we should, we should adjudicate on it because what you have at 06:00 from parliament channel is David Lee getting up and saying, this is not protocol. This is not how things are done. And you have Kamala Persephone getting up as well and saying, it's not protocol. This is not how things are done.
And going on after that to say, well, everybody should have been aware and should have been there because everybody know that's what was going to happen. Both can't be right. And just as Devindranath Tanko and Saddam Hussein are saying that they were well aware of what was transpiring, you're saying that. Well, you're not. So both can't be right. One has to be false. Which is it?
[00:07:54] Speaker A: Well, at the end of the day, I mean, all I can tell you is what I was confronted with on that day.
[00:08:03] Speaker C: Right.
[00:08:04] Speaker A: I mean, I, I am not in the business, you know, like primary school trainer and proving this and proving that and proving that. Right. I can tell you that we have a parliamentary chat group where instructions are given.
There was no instruction came to my attention in that chat group. Right. Perhaps there are other caucuses that are happening where that was made away. I was not privy to that on that day. And that is, that is the, that is the truth in terms of what transpired. From my perspective, I can tell you there was no collusion. There is still collusion. Nothing that has transpired over the last three weeks, since Friday, the 21 march when I made the claim about our internal elections being important. Right. And I asked colleagues, I made a plea to colleagues to support my call. So there was never any collusion on that day. There was no collusion on Friday. There'll be no collusion at any time. We remain a strong, united force against the PNM every single day.
[00:09:21] Speaker C: Yeah. I had asked the producers to reach out to David Lee to have him on the show today because I think he can clear up a lot of this nonsense as chief whip. And I think that David Lee is duty bound not for the wider society, but at least for the UNC supporter to give some clarity as to what really transpired. And were instructions given, and were those instructions not followed? And everything else, because the impression, or rather the narrative that is swirling around is that five, all they know exactly what was going to happen and all they deliberately stayed away to send a message to Kamala Posad be sessed at all events.
[00:10:02] Speaker A: I mean, let's just test that. I mean, I don't want to, I don't want to stress this, this particular matter, right. But I mean, MP Haynes notified the parliament and that would have had to be done the day before, that she had personal matters to deal with and she would not be there.
MP Ry Ragbell indicated to the whipper that his son's graduation was on Friday and he will not be there. So how can there be collusion when two persons identified that they would not be there? It is just, I mean, a figment of people's imagination at the end of the day, and you're creating a problem that does not exist. Absolutely doesn't exist.
[00:10:46] Speaker C: Yeah. I guess the other question that people are asking, I asked Anita Haynes of it yesterday and I'll ask you as well. Why weren't you in attendance on Sunday?
[00:10:57] Speaker A: Oh, well, let me tell you this, sir.
I thought, I thought very long and hard about my personal attendance.
You would be aware for the last three weeks I have come under several unnecessary, unwarranted attacks, right. A lot of commentary. Now, I can tell you I have tremendous support here in my arrow and I have several.
I mean, I could roll in, I could have gone in there on, for the anniversary with a hundred or 200 supporters. But you know what? I thought I will go there with my supporters and one person will say something out of timing. And my activists, my supporters are so passionate about party, about their mp, that could have created a bit of old talk. And I did not want anything to disrupt the sanctity of our 35th anniversary celebration.
And it was an interfaith service where we, we would be asking God to intervene and lead us on a good path. So to myself, I would have loved to be there, but in, to benefit to me, you know, I did not want anything, the beautiful and wonderful program that would have been airmarked that evening. And that is why I made the decision that if I am not going, well, obviously my team and the supporters said, well, Paris, if you're not going, we're not going. And I think I stayed away because of that. I did not want anything to upset the beautiful program that I know would have been arranged for that anniversary celebration on Sunday.
[00:12:59] Speaker C: Yeah, well, as I said to MP Anita hindsight, and I'll say to you, it's unfortunate that that kind of atmosphere exists, but it's a reality that you have to confront. I mean, we have a, we have history on the side where ponder Donnie Samna went to an event in Couva and was abused verbally and almost physically by persons who were opposed to what he had to say at the point in time when he was talking about carry farmers, ex county workers and that kind of thing. I personally, and I said this yesterday and I'll say it again, I mean, there's a, there's a level of reality that you have to confront these things with.
And what you are saying is exactly what I said to people yesterday. If I were in the position of any of these five mp's, I would think long on high before going there as well, because the narrative that took place on the stage would have set the tone for the kind of, I don't want to say lashing out or whatever else, but for some of the very same things that you were saying, you tried to prevent from going there. But now, even though your actions may be honorable, your intentions honorable, you are being questioned and vilified for not going.
[00:14:18] Speaker A: Satish. I am not afraid to go anywhere in this country. I am not afraid to speak to anyone because I'm of the firm view that while there may be a heavy cost for speaking the truth, one must appreciate the cost of the life could be devastating.
So as I said, I am, I was never afraid personally to go to anything, any UnC function. But in the interest of preserving the sanctity of what was scheduled, that is the only reason why.
[00:14:59] Speaker C: Okay, we need to take a quick message.
Actually, no. Yeah, we need to take a quick message. But when we come back, we'll be opening our phone lines a bit to get the interaction with our listeners. For those of you calling, there's only one phone line available for the interview. That's 627-3223 because we have Mister Pare MP pare on the other line. So right after this message we get to some of your calls on 627-3223 you can send your messages to 306-1065 stay with us.
Welcome back. We do have with us on the phone my RMP Rajtan para. Let's take some of your calls. As I said, you'll have to call us on 627-3223 hello, good morning.
[00:15:45] Speaker D: A pleasant good morning. A pleasant good morning, MP.
[00:15:48] Speaker A: Good morning.
[00:15:49] Speaker D: I will have a short preamble, but I have a simple question.
[00:15:53] Speaker A: Sure.
[00:15:53] Speaker D: Bearing in mind, and I'm sure you are aware of the negative effects that has taken place when they are in criminal wranglings in the UNC. And therefore, I want to ask you, considering the principle of cause and effect, do you feel that it is not. Do you not feel that it would have been better to deal with internal issues within the party, not to allow fragmentation, because the bigger picture is the wealthy of the people? And if we continue like this, the PNM will win an election. I thank you. Enjoy.
[00:16:31] Speaker C: Thank you for your call and be all.
Hello.
Okay, we seem to have lost the MP there. Let's, uh. I guess we're gonna have to try to get him back on the line. Stay with us.
Let's try this again. MP, are you there with us?
[00:17:23] Speaker A: Yes, I was about to respond to the caller.
[00:17:26] Speaker C: Go right ahead.
[00:17:27] Speaker A: Yeah, so I was saying that I made every attempt to discuss these matters internally.
Several attempts for meetings, several emails were sent. And we got to the point where the political leader agreed that Russian. Look, I agree with you. There are a number of issues need to be addressed. Can you write me these issues in a report?
I will get some time to digest it and we will talk about it. I have a nine page document that I submitted to the political leader, identifying issues that were raised by the widest membership of the party that I've been speaking with. And I submitted that to her and there was never any response on it. Now, remember, when. If the organs of the party are functioning, then there is no need to come on the outside to make a case.
All I'm saying is that at the end of the day, we have a situation where all I ask is for us to agree that an internal election that is constitutionally due.
That we agree that it is going to happen, which the political leader did agree to in public. Doctor Munilal agreed to in public that we will have an internal election. And so, to me, there is no dissenting view here, right?
Everybody agreed and we await it. But remember, Satish, my interest is for a stronger UNC to take government in 2025. Is only when we take government in 2025 can we deal with the PNM, their inability to deal with crime. We want to deal with crime. The UNC has a track record of dealing with crime. I want a strong UNC to deal with the collapsing infrastructure in this country. I want a stronger UNC to be able to deal with the water shortages and this is what the membership is asking for. They say, listen, let us present the strongest version of the UNC so we can deal with joblessness in this country, we can deal with all our collapsing industries, energy, you know? So at the end of the day, the membership of our party wants to be able to use the constitutional route, which is via an election, to make a decision whether the current team is best suited to take us to 2025 or we should have a new team to take us to 2025. That is all before the party today. So I don't know where all these issues around leadership and who must step down and who must go and who must stay. And that was never part of my discourse from day one. I want a stronger UNC and the membership wants a stronger UNC.
[00:20:48] Speaker C: Since you made the initial call for the executive elections, the natics elections to today, do you think, or what information do you have on whether or not there is support, growing support, less support for the call at this point in.
[00:21:09] Speaker A: Time, I could tell you, and this is public information.
Every night I am invited to meetings by party members, people who are the election machinery, the ground troops of our party. I am not setting up any meetings enough, but I am invited. Mp, we've heard your call. We would like to speak to you. And I am in meetings all over this country. So there is a growing sense that there is wide acceptance that the internal party elections must be had. And let me tell you, these things are being done very respectfully. I can tell you, nobody's bashing a political leader, nobody's bashing colleagues. They are very much interested in winning government. How do we win government? We win government with the strongest version of the UNC. And the way to do that is through a constitutional method, not mobilizing and not writing letters and all these kind of things. It is, let's go to the polls, which is constitutionally mandated, and let the membership, and remember, this is not about parry, this is not about Munilal, this is not about Tamla. This is about the widest membership want to participate in something that is constitutionally due, that would lead them and the party to government to deal with the issues of this country. That is what they are asking.
[00:22:45] Speaker C: But it's, forgive my pessimism this morning, and I don't know how else to describe it, because what you are saying to me here has been said before.
Rudolf Munira, when he contested, was saying the same thing. Vasan Bharat was saying the same thing, and others have said the same thing about this UNC membership. And how they disenchanted and how they want a change.
But when there is the executive election, the results don't mirror those comments.
So there is a discom. Ments that are being made are superficial and people lie into you and say into your face what, what they think you want to hear. But when it comes to actually casting a vote to register that dissatisfaction and prompt a change, we don't see it.
And it's.
It's something that I can't, in my mind, even though I'm not in the party, I can't rationalize if there seems to be all of this discussion about a change and that a change is needed and we don't want to be in opposition and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, how come when you have these executive elections, that's not reflected?
And because at the end of the day, the only people who matter when it comes to the executive elections are UNC members.
That that's a fact. All the people who call it outside and I would have an opinion and this and that and the next. Their opinion, while valid in a discussion, is useless in an election. And that's the reality of it. And the reason why I asked the question about what response you're getting is. I've found in my discussions with people, and I say this very guardedly, that there seems to be a shift this time around as opposed to others.
Because in other times around when you had executive elections and call for executive elections, there are many people who were resolute in what they were going to do and the outcome they expected.
But there seems to be that some people are unsure of what is taking place and where their allegiance should lie. I don't know if that's a good thing or that's a bad thing. I don't know if that's going to represent itself in any vote moving forward. But I guess we wait to see because Kamala Besabi says has given the assurance that the executive elections will be held when they are due. We may guess one month again. I guess we'll find out. Let's take another call. Hello. Good morning.
[00:25:07] Speaker E: Hi. Good morning to you, Satish. And good morning to you, Mister Parry.
I'm so happy you're on the line because I really, from the last time when Mister Rodney Charles was on this program, there were a lot of questions that I wanted, that I had in mind. Now, first of all, I am a member of the UNC. And I take it upon myself as a member that we, the membership of the UNC, have fought very hard and worked very hard to be where we are. And then we had a shake up in the year 2000 and things didn't go too good then for us. But we have worked our way right through and we have a lot of. We are very close to government because look at how many MP's we have in government, right? So we are not a fly by night party. We are solid foundation party. And I, Mister Charles, Mister Rodney Charles came on this program and he said there were 50 members, 50,000 memberships out of 300 something voters. Right? But I was asking the question, if you all are in there, you five of you were in there all the time, why don't you all go out and get more memberships? Why don't you all just sit there and why didn't you all work with what we have in existence? That means the party.
[00:26:32] Speaker A: Our party.
[00:26:33] Speaker E: Why?
[00:26:33] Speaker C: I'm sorry, but I think we lost the MP again. We're almost out of time. Let me see if I can get him back on the line quickly to respond.
I do think we have the MP on the line. MP, are you there?
[00:27:24] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. Sorry, but I'm not sure what's happening. But I got it just, just before I cut off concerning the ladies question. And I mean, it's really naive to think that we have not been doing membership. Every constituency executive have been on an exercise, as far as I am aware, to bring new members. So there is an effort to bring new membership. What has happened lately is that the membership forms is now like a visa application. And that in itself is deterring a lot of people from even joining. But I mean, there has been effort in every constituency, as far as I'm aware, even in my constituency councillors, the constituency executive have made a very, you know, huge effort in terms of building membership over the years. Now, it is not our purview to approve membership. There's a process, there's a membership committee that is their duty to scrutinize these membership applications and it is up to them to approve membership. I have no control over. That was the second item she raised.
[00:28:37] Speaker C: I think it was. I think it was working with the party. You have just about a minute, so would you be able to stay with us until after the 08:00 news?
[00:28:46] Speaker A: Yes, definitely.
[00:28:46] Speaker C: Okay, so then maybe you should hold the response to that one until after the news. And for those of you trying to get in on the phones, MP Pare has agreed to stay with us until after the 08:00 news. So we'll speak to him a bit more then because in your discussion with us, Mayara MP Rushton Pare MP. Before we went to break you, there was the caller who was asking about working together with the party. Let me allow you to respond to that before we take another call.
[00:29:12] Speaker A: Yeah, definitely. So I suspect what the caller is asking is what is normally referred to as, you know, why are you not toeing the party line?
My response to that is that the strongest, darkest party line to tow is that of our constitution. And that is the party line that I am towing when we ask that the internal elections be held when it's due. So I don't know what other support or towing of any line that is critical at this time. And I said, this is the wish of thousands of members that I have met over the last few months. And I am definitely throwing that party line.
[00:29:59] Speaker C: Let's take another call.
Hello, good morning.
[00:30:02] Speaker E: Hi, morning. I'm the last caller, Mister Parry. And I just wanted to say also that when Mister Charles was on their program last, he did mention something about. But I don't know if I.
[00:30:18] Speaker C: Let's give somebody else a chance. You had your opportunity and you went on, you spoke about things and you asked two questions. Let's see if we could give somebody else a chance to interact with the MP. 627-3223 is the number that you need to call here this morning to speak to MP Rushton Parry. Somebody sent a message. They're asking. Let me see.
Somebody's asking to Mister Parry, saying that the constituents support him. Do they support him or do they support the party? That's the UNC. And the second part of this question is, if you're appointed leader, what would you do differently from the present leader? Let's get your responses to that MP.
[00:30:55] Speaker A: Well, I mean, at the end of the day, I am the sitting MP. I presented myself in 2015.
I won an election.
I was screened by the party. In 2020. They would have looked at my functioning over the five years. Whether the constituents of the Mayaro area was in support. Still this MP in 2020, and by virtue of their nomination for me to contest in 2020, I suspect the data was favorable. Whether people vote for party or vote for an individual, that is not for me to determine. All I know, at the end of the day, when I became the MP, I have a duty, a democratic duty, to serve the people to the best of my ability. And that is what is important. And that is what I will continue to do until my term ends in 2025. With regards to leadership, I have always maintained. Leadership of a political party is not something where you submit a resume and then somebody looks to see if you are a good fit.
Whenever, if ever a leadership election comes our way.
I, like any other member of our party, have the right to submit their interest and they will provide to the wider membership. What is your plan? What will you do different? And it is up to the widest membership to decide whether the current leadership will continue with us going forward or they are not satisfied and we will give someone else a chance. But that is a decision for the membership. It's not a decision for Rushton, parry or Rudolph or Rodney Charles. The membership will make that decision when the time comes.
[00:33:03] Speaker C: Speaking of the call. Good morning.
[00:33:06] Speaker A: Morning.
Good morning.
[00:33:10] Speaker F: Are you probably one of the few supporters of what you're doing stance you're making?
I think the leadership of the UNc needs a change badly. I think the current leadership of the UNC is hurting the UNC more than helping the UNC.
People making decisions, especially the members of the uncle, on emotions and not on logic. They're not thinking about these things properly. You heard the last caller. She like she want to cry. And you know people, when you're making a decision like this, you have to make it get your emotions out of the way. Because it's not just the UNC voters votes going to bring UNC into office. You need people on defense as well.
[00:34:01] Speaker A: That's a lot.
[00:34:03] Speaker C: Thank you for your call. 627-3223 that's our number. Let's take another one. Hello. Good morning.
[00:34:09] Speaker G: Good morning Satish. Good morning Mister Barry.
[00:34:12] Speaker A: Good morning.
[00:34:13] Speaker G: I hear you talk about the support in Myro.
[00:34:15] Speaker A: But far as I know in Myro.
[00:34:17] Speaker G: That the supporters have been distancing yourself from you. Even myself. I'm very disappointed as a citizen. Because one of the reasons is the election is coming up in me. May or June. I can't remember when.
[00:34:32] Speaker A: Right.
[00:34:33] Speaker G: Why did not you all wait? The five of you wait patiently for that? Why does it have to be a big uproar before and cause all this confusion and let the members decide if they put Mister Farrell, put the other MP's or whichever they choose.
It's in my mind is that I believe the five of you tired now and you all had enough and businesses fixed and you're ready to ride out in the wind.
[00:35:01] Speaker A: Don't ride out in the wind with.
[00:35:02] Speaker G: This kind of bad record support. Because as far as I see what.
[00:35:07] Speaker A: You all do, you just want the payment to remain in power.
[00:35:10] Speaker G: Thank you.
[00:35:11] Speaker C: We've had this discussion before about the timing of your calling. I mean, we've spoken about it numerous times and you gave numerous times your reason as to why you did what you did. Maybe you need to repeat it because it has not resonated with some people. There are some people who just wouldn't believe or couldn't care less what you have to say. They have their own impression and they're going to stick to that. But do you care to explain to people again?
[00:35:37] Speaker A: Well, I mean, I'll say it simply like this. You know, it's like taxes. There's never a good time for taxes, right? There is a constitutional requirement for the party to hold its internal elections. The constitution of the party mandates that within two years of the last date of an election, that the current Nat X becomes defunct.
When you look at preparing the party for an election, you can't wait 35 days, which is the required amount, where you can call the election. The party needs a couple months to be able to put systems in place to conduct an election. Right now, as I indicated in my delivery on the 21 March, I became aware of a condition that was existing in the party where there was a conversation that because of a pending general election, which nobody knows, because that sits in the back pocket of Doctor Rowley, that there was going to be no internal election.
My position is that you cannot stop a constitutionally due election for anything. And what was more surprising, the persons who are saying that there should be no elections, those persons are there by virtue of the very same elections. And they are saying that they will determine when is the right time to have an election. And I said, the inertia for this is that the membership of our party wants to give, make sure that we have the widest possible participation of all the members of the party. So you will need time for that. So between March and June is three months, which is adequate for the party to say, listen, we are going to have our elections, which they did.
They are going to put the necessary machinery in place because you have to deal with the list, you have to find locations for the election. You have to look for your financial members of the party. These things are not going to happen in 30 days. So in my respectful view, the timing was at the border of what I found was reasonable, that the party can put its systems in order, because the ultimate goal is to make sure that we prepare the party to be a strong contender in 2025, to remove the PNM, to solve the problems which our very same members are hurting. Joblessness, crime, infrastructure, water. These are issues that our membership are passionate for. And if we don't fix that, fix ourselves to make sure that we take government in 2025. Then we'll be doing our membership across the service. So I think the timing was right.
[00:38:51] Speaker C: Well, I'll tell you this. Maybe I try to overanalyze things and that's the reporter in me trying to figure out why people do things in a certain way. What you are suggesting is that you got a whiff, for want of a different term, that here we're going on now they're going to postpone this elections because they're focusing on the general elections. When you made the call, the political leader came out after and she said, listen, we've always held the elections when they need to be held. The track record from 2010 to now will support that and these elections will be held when they are due as well. Now I thought that would end the matter there.
[00:39:27] Speaker A: I thought so too.
[00:39:28] Speaker C: But then you had twelve mp's who decided themselves that here were we need to make a statement. And all of them started seeing things left, right and center, vilifying the people who were making the call for elections. And then all of them suggested, I don't know if it's one script and they edit it accordingly, saying that the party need to focus on general elections as opposed to internal elections. And that statement from these twelve MP's was a contradiction of what the political leader was saying. And I don't think enough people are focused on that. You have twelve mp's who were making statements contrary to what the political leader was saying. Some people thought that these statements were in fact supporting the political leader by the seat like that. Because if the political leaders say the election will be held when it's due and all they come out and saying, well, we in bond for no executive election, let's focus on general. Were the twelve mp's really in support of the political leaders position or were they giving us information and an insight into discussion that was going on all the while and they just clueless and issued their statement because that's the discussion that they were having all along. So it suggested to me that I wasn't being told the truth about what really was the intention. But we gotta wait and see because now the, now we have to wait and see because the discussion is now that, well, the political leader has said so. Her track record supports what she has said contrary to the views of the twelve MP's. But it would be interesting now to see if Kamala Pasabi says that does call the election date what these very same twelve MP's who were saying don't have the natick's elections have to say now or would have to say then because they've clearly documented their position that they don't want no executive election. They want to focus on general. So that would be, that's a whole kettle of fish otherwise. But then again, you change your tune according to the Pied piper and everything good. So we'll wait to see whether or not you were right that these elections are going to be postponed, whether or not you were wrong, that the election was going to be held all the while and you just make a big brouhaha and cause us a kabakana that was unnecessary and everything else will play itself out. It's just two months. Two months going to fly by in no kind of time whatsoever.
We need to take a quick break and when we get back we'll take some more calls because I think we'll have the MP until 830. We do have some other commitments at that time, but I want to get as many views in as possible from the listeners as to what they feel and how they think and some of.
[00:41:59] Speaker A: The concerns that they need addressed.
[00:42:00] Speaker C: We are speaking this morning. If you join the conversation late with Mayao MP Rushton Pare.
We'll be taking more of your calls after this break on 627-3223 hour time 17 minutes after eight that timeshare courtesy JTA supermarket best buys and best savings.
[00:42:16] Speaker B: Are at JTA supermarkets. White rock Ginger Ale and club sold up six for $19.99 swiss barbecue sauce, two for $19.99 snuggle napkins, 100 count, five for 19.99. Staying energy drink, four for $19.99 swiss past the cut, four for $19.99 Carlton's choice paper towel roll, four for $19.99. Eve coconut milk powder, four for $19.99 Highland pride green peas and carrots free for $19.99 and so much more. Specials valid until the 12 May 2024. JTA supermarkets where your total bill always costs less.
[00:42:57] Speaker C: Welcome back. Take some more of your calls with us for a bit again by RNP Rushton Pari hello, good morning.
[00:43:04] Speaker G: Good morning. I'm calling from Bukao. Mister Parry. I must say I'm a full supporter of you and the other four members with you because I must say that Kamala pasade bi says that. Who said in shabonas that election should be fixed and fixed date for election. She dared three terms now and she failed to do it. And I am saying yes, that we should have election fixed date. I only hope when you get through as leader of the opposition now, because we have to go again for the election, that when you get India, you also make it mandatory that you have fixed dates for county council election and fix this for general election. When you come become the prime minister of Finland, I would assume that you might be the leader. But what we are saying is that when they get into power there, they always change. And I think people should not change at all coming to this situation, because I believe that two terms, she also mentioned two terms to everybody and she's here more than two terms. And I think we should call the election as early as possible, not give them attendee at 28 days and all these sorts of things. And if the time is up in June, she call it. I thank you ever so much for this opportunity. Okay.
[00:44:07] Speaker C: Thank you so much for your call.
I think we missed the MPJ. Let's, let's. I'm gonna have to get him back on the line to get a response. Stay with us.
I think we have the MP back. MBA, are you there?
[00:44:56] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:44:56] Speaker C: Okay. Yes, go right ahead.
[00:44:57] Speaker A: Okay. So I wanted to just respond to the last caller, not necessarily about some of his wishes and his hope, but he made a very important point about the issue of constitutional reform. Now, in my respectful view, a party organ on organization is the foundation of which a government lies.
If our party has to be a strong foundation for government in 2025, the caller hit the nail on the head. Our party must reflect what our government will look like and how it would feel like it. And I say that in the context of constitutional reform. Constitutional reform in the party was a huge section of the report that I sent our political leader. Right, in terms of fixed date for internal elections, six terms for leadership offices in the party, six terms for political leaders as well. We talked about digitization in the party, digitization of the membership forms, digitization of membership processing. We spoke about finances, financial accounting, what the membership ought to be doing, how we should be raising funds, how we should be accounting to the membership. Now, I say that in context, if as a party, we can deliver that in terms of how we operate as a party, it's going to tell the country, that is how we operate as a government. If we can digitize the party, we will digitize government. If we can hold the party to strict accountability, we will offer strict accountability in government. If we talk about constitutional reform in the party, we will deliver constitutional reform in government. And that is the interlinked between your party operations and how you run government. And that is my respectful view.
[00:47:05] Speaker C: Let's take another call. Hello. Good morning. Hello.
[00:47:08] Speaker G: Good morning.
[00:47:09] Speaker D: MP Russian Pari.
[00:47:11] Speaker A: Yes. Good morning.
[00:47:12] Speaker D: Obviously you have a vested interest in when the internal elections is going to be called. If that election is not called in the timeframe that you anticipate. I'm asking directly what's next for Rushton Parry in his capacity as an MP? Alice not here.
[00:47:33] Speaker A: I remain mp until the parliament is dissolved. Whenever doctor Raleigh determines that, you know, the general election, he's ready for it and the parliament is dissolved. Until that time I will continue to do what I've been doing for the last nine years. I will continue to serve the people of Mayaro. I will continue to come to parliament and hold the p and M to account. Because at the end of the day we have to be able to prepare ourselves for government. And I can say what the leadership of the party would do. I was very clear on what I think is the constitutional requirement. All I will tell you, sir, is that we cannot ask about holding the government to account and follow the constitution and not follow our own constitution. And I was listening the 08:00 news and I heard Satish in his report talk about the meeting with the EBC. Right. And one of the issues that they will be discussing is about the constitution and constitutional deeds and constitutional issues around the ABC and boundaries. So we must display as a party that when we take government in 2025 we will uphold and we will honor the constitution of our country. And that is what I keep. I remain hopeful.
[00:49:08] Speaker C: Second of the call. Hello. Good morning.
[00:49:10] Speaker G: Good morning Satish. Good morning to Mister Pare.
[00:49:14] Speaker A: Princess tongue.
[00:49:16] Speaker G: Mister Pare, I want to commend you and all those who are supporting your position at this time in the party and in the politics of this country. Just like in law, how we have due process.
Similarly in politics there is due process. And if you do not service your party, if you do not repair your party, if you do not attend to housekeeping matters as they would say, then your party is going to end up in disarray.
[00:49:44] Speaker A: The problems with the party started in.
[00:49:46] Speaker G: 2007 with Mister Dukaran, Mister Monilal and Mister Bharat. And today I want to thank you for your strength and courage. For standing up for the membership, the wider membership of the United National Congress that Mister Pandey bequeathed to us to fix this party, to put this party on a strong footing so that we can really challenge the government in 2025 with the best team to run the government of Trinidad and Tobago. There is no other alternative.
[00:50:16] Speaker A: So I commend you again and for your courage and for your strength.
[00:50:20] Speaker G: And for your leadership at this time.
[00:50:22] Speaker A: All the best.
[00:50:23] Speaker G: Thank you, Princess Tong.
[00:50:25] Speaker C: Thank you, princess.
[00:50:27] Speaker A: Just quickly, right. And I also want to remind your listenership, this is not only about removing the PNM. There are a number of international headwinds that are coming our way. And we need to have the best team in 2025 from a policy position, from a strategic position to deal with these global headwinds. But nobody, not even in the government, is speaking about those things. Matters of climate change, carbon sequestration, our carbon tax credit issues. We have hydrogen fuel as a fueling of the future, where the new jobs are going to come from, how digitization is going to improve the job opportunities, how artificial intelligence is going to impact the labor force in Trinidad and Tobago. How are we going to use legislation to soften the blow? How are we going to use legislation to ensure that when companies downsize for AI, how do we make sure that employees are retrained and reorganized for the future? And these are conversations that has to happen. And if we do have the best team to deal with that, because we need to change the trajectory of Trinidad and Tobago for the next 10, 15, 20 years, for the future of our children and our grandchildren. And we are prepared to do that in the UNC. So that is why this is much more, this is bigger than the PNM. It is bigger than, you know, Rushton parade, Doctor Mooney Lal misses Posad visas. It is about how do we create a stronger UNC to have the best team. That when we take government in 2025, we can face those global headwinds that are coming. While we cannot change the direction of the wind, we can adjust our sales. And that is what we are asking. Let us adjust ourselves.
[00:52:33] Speaker C: Okay? And with that, we are going to have to leave Vijay this morning because we do have other commitments. I want to thank you for being with us and speaking to us frankly on some of these matters that I guess you need all sides of a discussion so that you can form your own opinion, which we hope after our discussions today, there'd be more information in the public domain to give people that opportunity to decide for themselves what they should or should not be thinking. Thank you once again for being this.
[00:52:56] Speaker A: Morning the best insight, instant feedback, accountability.
[00:53:01] Speaker B: The all new talk radio.
