Kamla slams UNC haters

United National Congress political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC MP believes her “haters” are against her decision to let people from moderate backgrounds into positions of leadership.

PETER CHRISTOPHER
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United National Congress political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC MP believes her “haters” are against her decision to let people from moderate backgrounds into positions of leadership.

The Opposition Leader addressed the growing criticism of her from members of her own party, while addressing the United National Congress Virtual Report on Monday night.

“We are not a party for a few but rather, a determined movement for many, and we will fight for all; we will fight for everyone!” she stated. “I tell anybody I lead, I will always be at your side whether you support us, whether you don’t sometimes. But we will be there to defend your rights, your liberties and freedom as a leader, whether you like me or not,” said Persad-Bissessar.

She said unlike many of her detractors, she never abandoned the UNC, noting that many who now oppose her leadership had either left the party outright, or campaigned against it.

“I can never understand why some attack the UNC, campaign against UNC, call you supporters sycophants, and then they want to lead the UNC, the same membership that you degrade,” she said. 

“I will fight to the end of all of you. I told you many times before if you work hard, the party will elevate you and that’s what we’ve seen. Some believe they’re entitled; they have a sense of entitlement. And that entitlement has to do because of family connections,” she said further.

She pointed to the elevation of Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin as an example of a person of modest background ascending to leadership, stressing that the days of “doctor politics” are done.

The Opposition Leader also questioned the decision to send the Commissioner of Police on leave as the investigation into police officers possibly being affiliated with the DSS organisation began.

She suggested the case may go the same route as the Darryl Smith matter.