The controversy surrounding the ownership of the mayorship of San Fernando provides an opportunity for those who lead to prove themselves worthy of the task of providing good governance. That the matter has been the subject of closed-door discussions amongst the leaders of the parties to the coalition is recognition that the issue is not one to be treated lightly. The entire country has become embroiled in the dispute which is yet to be resolved. This is not a fight for the weak-minded or lily-livered because it calls for strict adherence to the principles of integrity and transparency. So far, the chief proponent of the new politics has remained silent on pertinent matters related to the contention, which reinforces the suspicion that many have been lured to believe in the existence of a beautiful oasis that is really no more than a dangerously misleading political mirage. Quite frankly, I find no fault with the manner in which the Prime Minister has handled the situation. Further, I agree wholeheartedly that it is not for her to give a directive to Mayor Coudray to resign as that is not a power given to the Prime Minister that can be exercised to settle the current impasse.
Serious fracture
Since the internal election, the UNC has amalgamated its forces and appears stronger than before, so from the perspective of the major party in the Partnership, all is well in its neck of the woods. Minister Jack Warner was the true hero at the polls and has proven once and for all to his detractors that he is not a force to be ignored or underestimated. The frightening reality is that the COP is caught in a battle which has resulted in a war of words spouting from the mouth of Minister Anil Roberts in the direct line of fire to his political leader, Minister Ramadhar and this verbal hostility is causing further fracture for a party that is founded on new politics. Now it seems that there is competition for the political spotlight coming from the Roberts challenge to the Ramadhar position on the Coudray affair and in the entire melee, the former leader of the COP remains silent. His stance is no different to a parent who prefers to close the door and take a nap despite knowing that one of his children is creating ruction in the house.
While his reaction or lack thereof is a disappointment, it comes as no surprise. This is certainly not a case of making a mountain out of a molehill and it is far greater than a storm in a teacup. The entire COP executive seems to be up in arms with the act of betrayal of Judas proportions and so a mute tongue on the part of one who was a founding father of the Partnership is wholly unacceptable in the circumstances. If such inaction in a time of need is the meaning of new politics, then it is back to square one.
Say something
The issue is not about the right of an individual to belong to the political party of her choice or the freedom of movement from one political entity to the next without due notice. Rather, it is the circumstances of the change in allegiance, which to date remain obscure because those with the relevant information refuse to speak. While it may be reasonable to expect that people who could politically incriminate themselves would quickly resort to the right to silence when confronted with direct questions on matters of public concern, such a posture could attract adverse comment and perhaps even be used as an inference of guilt. That no one with the requisite knowledge or information feels compelled to step forward and clarify the date when Mayor Coudray joined the UNC, although there must be some documentation that would put the matter to rest, is indicative of the kind of political games that some people are prepared to play in blatant violation of the tenets of transparency and accountability. And because Mayor Coudray is considered a person of integrity, I remain confident that she will disclose the specific information in order to remove any ambiguity and to resolve all inconsistency. In any event it is reported that a member of one of the competing slates that contested the internal election has stated that Mayor Coudray may not satisfy the requirement of being a member of the UNC for at least 12 months in order to contest a post on its national executive and so, in light of that serious accusation, Mayor Coudray should do the honourable thing and prove that the challenge is without merit.
Talk done
In this matter involving the surreptitious defection of a COP member to the greener pastures of the UNC, it appears that focus has been lost and attention being paid to peripheral issues. Perhaps that is the intention of those who were responsible for the clandestine move that caused jaws to drop and knives to be stabbed in the backs of those who heralded the lady, obviously wrongly so, as being a member of the flagship COP. Throughout the turmoil, Mayor Coudray has remained unwavering and this must be the result of tremendous support from the places that count. There are several independent individuals who have given their views on the Coudray affair and the golden thread that runs through the opinions expressed is that the ball lies squarely in the court of the San Fernando mayor. As a strong woman, no one can force her hand and being an iron lady, she will not be easily persuaded to change her articulated position on the matter. As we enter this weekend, which in the Christian calendar is considered the most important, let it provide an opportunity for intense introspection and genuine reconciliation. With proper focus, this matter can be resolved without compromise of integrity and in the interest of the State. The opportunity is taken to wish everyone a Holy and Blessed Easter.