Update on UNC Party Headquarters

As Chairman of the United National Congress I can confirm that the party has been asked to vacate Rienzi Complex by the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union.

I would like to correct the many inaccurate statements being uttered in the public domain regarding this situation.

The union served notice on the UNC that the rental fee for Rienzi Complex was being increased to 25,000.

To date the UNC has paid all rentals for the use of the premises including the increased rental.

It is important to note that the increased rent was accompanied by the Union implementing a “month to month” agreement with the party.

On behalf of the party, I sought to undertake negotiations with the Union by meeting with its President Nirvan Maharaj to reach an agreement beneficial to both parties but this proved to be unsuccessful.

The Union was reluctant to provide the United National Congress with a long term lease. The Union subsequently indicated it’s wish for the UNC to leave the premises without cause.

The United National Congress has undertaken to look for a new home which is being presently undertaken.

The statements which indicate that the UNC has been banned from holding meetings and events at Rienzi Complex are also inaccurate.

The UNC’s Local Government Election screening process which began in past days is being conducted by regions. This is a practice we introduced for the Screening of the General Election Candidates of the South Region last year when the Parasio Complex was used.

As Chairman of the United National Congress I give the membership of the UNC as well as the national public the reassurance that this will in no way hamper nor deter our commitment to effectively representing and protecting the welfare and interests of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

David Lee
Chairman
The United National Congress