UNC dismisses Round Table

PANIC, distortion and instability appear to be the only platforms the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Keith Rowley intends to use in fighting his campaign in the 2015 general elections, a statement from the United National Congress (UNC) PRO, Rodney Charles said on Thursday.

Charles said: “The United National Congress (UNC) dismisses outright the position taken by PNM Political Leader Dr Keith Rowley and the other members of the “Round Table” on the matter of Constitutional Reform. Dr Rowley and the PNM have been stirring up fears that Government intends to push this through on the last day of Parliament, and has sought to create anxiety in the minds of the public on this matter,” Charles said.

Also a former United Nations diplomat, Charles said: “The Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was very clear at the Post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.”

“The Prime Minister explicitly said Government will not be proceeding with the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2014 after having heard concerns expressed by civil society with respect to what is known as the runoff provision in the bill.”

Charles added: “And the Prime Minister went further to say it seems better for us, more prudent and therefore in better governance mode that we allow for more consultations to take place before we proceed with a bill of that nature.”

Describing Dr Rowley’s statement as one in many where he deliberately distorts facts and creates panic in the population, Charles said: “The Prime Minister indicated that the Government would continue with consultations with stake holders and in our second term it would be taken forward should the electorate so desire.”

“The hallmark of the Prime Minister and the Government has been of listening, taking seriously the views of the people, and the proceeding with strong and clear decisions. Listening and leading is the Prime Minister’s style, and Dr Rowley’s style is clearly to talk first and listen very little after.”

Charles said: “Dr Keith Rowley does not know and does not care what the people want for themselves and their families. He has vigorously opposed all measures aimed at strengthening the country’s democracy and placing more power in the hands of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Charles noted that the PNM Leader spent the better part of his contribution during the news conference complaining that he was not being paid since his suspension from the Parliament. “The only plan Dr Rowley has is to increase his own pay, but nothing else in the way of vision, ideas or leadership. With those factors working against him, how could he convince anyone he is fit to lead when he consistently uses public platforms to complain about his own interests, and those of his party?”

For further information please contact: Rodney Charles, PRO/Campaign Chair

Phone: (868) 322-1766 – email: rod_char@hotmail.com