UNC Rising

BY SHANE A. MOHAMMED

At the start of 2019, many were still concerned about the stability of the UNC to have damaging impact against the PNM Government.

Here we are at April, already four months into the not so New Year and the UNC has started building positive momentum. The Leader of the Opposition has entered the Parliament like a star batsman enters a stadium and she has delivered some serious innings against the PNM. Thus far, the party has concluded three Monday Night Forums and has opened an Activity Center in the Tunapuna area, definitely signs of a credible start. The Monday Night Forum continues to be evolving; showing some signs of change and improvement. One noticeable thing is that the audiences at the Monday Night Forum (MNF) are not bused in crowds but rather home grown. The La Horquetta/ Talparo meeting was definitely energized with a good combination of speakers peaking with the dynamic Jearlean John and the Honorable Political Leader. Tunapuna appeared to be larger in number than the previous meeting, the persons spilling into the school car park. It was great to see some strong stalwarts making appearances in the key battle ground constituency which provides much needed moral support to ensure the constituency is one that gives a good fight on Election Day.

A critical signal

The MNF of Mayaro was another well attended and mobilised crowd, it is remarkable that persons from all over including the East-West corridor took the time to journey to the constituency for the MNF. It reminded me of the UNC of the past, when it mattered not where meetings were held, there was a consistent energy that followed the party and persons were not hesitant to journey far distances to take in the meetings. This is a critical signal. The tempo is increasing! MP Rushton Paray has put in more than yeoman service in his work as MP for Mayaro and he must be commended for such. His work is not without its complications and managing varying dynamics within the Mayaro area but he has definitely cemented himself as a worthy MP to keep. The UNC has approached 2019 with strategy, direction and drive which many doubted it possessed and which now provide a renewed hope that 2020 is not at all lost. It is noted that the UNC has moved away from having an actual MNF emcee to an audio emcee who announces the various speakers as they proceed to the stage; whilst this is a new aspect it is not necessarily is good one.

Yes, it adds some level of sophistication to the thing but consider it live TV and there are no rehearsals prior. Therefore, when one looks at the MNF, an audio emcee creates a lull in the proceedings and it simmers the energy of the meeting for those looking on. The MNF must be able to capture viewers, listeners and the live audience altogether. The stage needs a constant flow of vociferous speakers, it should be powerful from start to finish. Furthermore, the call of the UNC Leadership for all hands on deck should not be ignored; in fact persons who are serious about having a space and place within the politics must decide now on whether they get on the train. It is also an opportunity to indicate to the goodly Lady that all the yapping as some would call was not just that but a serious commitment to the UNC and for it to be better than its competitors.

The UNC is rising but it has not RISEN yet

The UNC’s improvements have been noted, it was especially exciting to observe Mrs Bissessar step out of the diplomatic box she prefers and drop satire and picong within her presentation in Mayaro. It showed a realness, it excited and allowed those watching and listening to connect with the leader. It is also a welcomed addition to place ordinary citizens on the platform to share their stories and experiences under this Government. The country most times hear of persons losing their jobs and struggling to support their families but very seldom gets the chance to actually hear from those persons directly.

Those persons also don’t necessarily have to speak sophisticated language and those taking the platform should come from varying dynamics to drive home the reality of society. There is always room for improvement, the UNC is Rising but it hasn’t risen YET! A day in politics is like a lifetime and there are many ups and downs, sharp turns and corners before 2020 arrives. There are weak links in the UNC chain and they possess leading roles which in this game are liabilities for the party. The UNC is looking towards the Local Government Elections which may never come under this PNM administration taking into consideration that they have failed to meet their campaign promise of Local Government Reform. Unless they are prepared to lie about that as well… However, we all acknowledge the UNC needs to clean up and polish the vehicle and credit must be given for it embarking on mechanical changes and adjustments. Its Local Government arm definitely needs some sophistication next time around and there exists persons who currently have to be shed because they have failed to add value to the party as a result of their own lust, greed and dirty hands. Within the party structure persons are simply warming seats, holding positions rather than actually doing work and there are those who differ from the philosophy of the Boss Lady when it comes to all hands-on deck…in fact certain ones are too busy cussing school administrators…I wonder if they have disclosed such to the leadership? At the Parliamentary level certain men MUST remain to add experience and knowledge to any incoming Government; these include Point a Pierre, Barataria/ San Juan and Caroni Central in particular.