UNC Chairman Dave Tancoo: Embrace Unity
Political unity is often foreshadowed by discord, discussion, and restructuring.
As a foundation member and current Chairman of the United National Congress, I am extremely proud to note the strides that the party has made in widening and broadening its base and, particularly in the increase in public presence which the party has developed.
The National Executive and Parliamentarians have ensured that the views of every section of society have been represented regardless of geographic location, race, gender, ethnicity or any other defining characteristic. Equally important, the UNC policy position on every single issue in the public domain has been expressed clearly by an appropriate, authorised UNC spokesperson openly and in public via the Parliament, public meetings, and public statements.
These are irrefutable facts.
Any objective person, and there are tens of thousands of us, who has been involved with the United National Congress pre 2010 would recognise and acknowledge that our party has made significant advances.
Personally, I have no issue with individuals having differences of opinion. My obvious preference though, is that those concerns, be raised within the party structure, with an open mind, without the bitterness and misinformation.
However, I accept that this will only occur if the genuine intention is the building of the party as opposed to some other less than altruistic agenda. Ironically, the expected response to my comments will prove my point about the intent of public statements.
There is a legal maxim of equity called the “clean hands” doctrine which states basically that those who come seeking equity must come with metaphorically clean hands. Basically, it requires persons to be truthful, informed, and factual in presenting their case to the court, or in this regard, to the public.
One cannot purport to be fighting for democracy by attacking the demonstrated democratic rights of members of the United National Congress. The UNC Political Leader and the National Executive have been elected by the majority in a democratic election to serve for a particular time frame, and in full compliance with the party’s constitution.
For a few persons to now make demands that the demonstrated will of the majority should by ignored because they feel they are better suited is illogical and, contrary to the UNC’s constitution and values.
What is even more mischievous, though not unexpected, is the timing. There are, a few persons creating a campaign based on a non-issue, fabricating a narrative that the internal election has been postponed. If this were based on misinformation or ignorance of the Party’s constitution one could forgive this.
However there have been numerous statements by party officials including the Political Leader and myself as Chairman, which are absolutely clear on this matter specifically that the party will continue to abide by the Constitution which defines the relevant procedures and timeframes.
To deliberately ignore this public fact, is for the sake of cheap theatrics and an unfortunate and deliberate attempt to mislead the UNC membership. I hoped for better, but I am not surprised.
Similarly, it is also illogical to claim to be fighting for the democratic freedom to express your view, while simultaneously attacking the membership of the UNC, who have a view opposed to yours. That itself is undemocratic.
For the last thirty-nine (39) years I have supported and facilitated internal opportunities to allow even dissenting voices to be heard, including these very same persons now speaking in the public domain. I urge only that the comments be factually based and intended to provide a platform for truth and growth of the UNC and our Nation.
To demand that the party stop its preparations for the impending General Elections, while at the same time state that the party is unprepared is again, illogical and works to the benefit of the PNM. Again, I hoped for better, am not surprised.
I am disappointed however at the use of unsubstantiated PNM-style rhetoric and “mauvaise langue” as the basis on which to attack colleagues in the Parliament. “Clean Hands” doctrine again pertains. Lawyers are aware of the law, and I challenge anyone who has evidence of the human trafficking to immediately report it to the police.
It is a heinous crime, and the accusation of this crime without evidence is equally as heinous.
This must not be taken lightly especially as it has the effect deliberately or otherwise of implicating the entire Parliament bench, including me and the very colleagues who support these utterances.
Further, as the descendants of the enslaved, indentured, and colonised, accusations of human trafficking are certainly not an issue that ought to be casually bandied about as political rhetoric.
It disgraces the memory and experiences of our ancestors, when this matter is treated with anything less than the seriousness it deserves.
I look forward to the relevant authorities immediately undertaking the relevant investigations and actions to clear my name, and that of my UNC colleagues. The public will decide on the rationale for the inclusion of unsubstantiated PNM smear during an election season as the basis for an attack on the UNC Leadership and NATEX.
There are too many other pieces of misinformation that has now been put in the public domain to respond to at this time. But it will be remiss of me not to address to some other issues.
I have attended almost every caucus of the party’s Parliamentary Arm. Many of these caucuses have been held in the Opposition conference room of the Parliament, before and after Parliament’s sitting but on occasion some have also been held virtually. These usually involves discussions on the issues before the Parliament and even a determination of which MPs will be speaking on which issues.
Generally, a consensus view is taken as to the party’s voting position in the Parliament. Further, the first person voting for the Opposition is the Chief Whip and that provides a further clarification of the voting position. It must be underscored that while the party policy positions are predetermined by the party, the final decision of the Opposition on the floor of the Parliament generally depends on the evidence presented in the debate.
In addition, the direction of the vote is usually circulated to members via the MPs group chat before the actual vote. I have not seen any instances of query or opposition to the proposed vote in any communication. This is the way a true democratic party with the Nation’s interest at heart, functions. Therefore, members of Parliament who are absent from the caucus for whatever reason have multiple opportunities to become aware of the party’s position. To imply otherwise, is again, illogical.
Finally, it is understandable that change will bring unease to some who may feel that their individual or group influence will be diminished. The UNC of today has grown and developed into a national party representing ever sector of our diverse society and economy. UNC stalwarts are proud of these developments. The UNC has always welcomed others, even those who have been critical of the Leader and the party in the past. In fact, it is to the credit of the current Political Leader, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, that many of these persons feel no sense of hesitation in coming to the UNC.
Over many years there have been persons including some who have benefitted from the UNC membership’s support who have attacked the UNC and the Leader publicly and yet have been welcomed back to the party. The ability to put country first, to put citizens first is a hallmark of the UNC of which I am particularly proud.
I urge colleagues to understand that this is not something to be fearful of, but rather to be embraced as evidence of a mature, stable leadership focused on building an all-embracing, truly national party to take us into government.
The UNC is stronger today than it has ever been. I remind all of the words of the founding father of the UNC – there is room in the House of the Rising Sun for any and all who share our vision for a better Trinidad and Tobago.
PNM spokesmen are anxious to have citizens forget the massive strides made for national growth and development during the Kamla Persad Bissessar led 2010 to 2015 period. Having served in that Government, I am proud to say that this is evidence that the UNC has both the experience, track record and competence to rescue this country from the social and economic crises imposed by the current government.
The UNC membership and the national community are crying out for a united and a common platform against the government’s oppression. The UNC has always led the way and will continue to do so. Unity is nothing to be feared. It is to be embraced. I remain committed to this end.