Monday, August 31 2009

OPPOSITION LEADER Basdeo Panday has urged citizens to revive their patriotic spirit and stand up against the efforts of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) administration to undermine democracy in Trinidad and Tobago.

In his Independence Day message, Panday warned: “The sovereignty that our independence pioneers fought for and achieved in 1962 is now under threat as Prime Minister Patrick Manning in a megalomanical haze, charges ahead with plans for the country’s political union with Eastern Caribbean countries, completely disregarding the citizens’ opinions.” The UNC leader claimed that Manning has been consistently battering the checks and balances in the current Constitution while the draft constitution “seeks to eliminate the distinction between the legislature and the executive, putting under political control and direction, the very institutions which are required to be independent”.

Panday said the Judiciary, Integrity Commission, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Police Service and the service commissions have all come under attack by the PNM. Questioning whether there were “political gymnastics” taking place to prevent the Uff Commission of Inquiry from completing its work, Panday said the country’s “descent into tyranny” is further underscored by Manning’s insistence that construction proceed with the Alutrint aluminum complex and the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.

Panday also charged that Manning has used his office to block the promotion of some public servants and bully others into submission.

“Even as we celebrate our nation’s independence today, the very foundation of our freedom is under attack. Not from foreign invaders or colonial masters but from those charged with the governance and care of TT, as they continue the onslaught to destroy the safeguards imprinted in the Constitution of TT,” Panday said.