Social Development Minister Glenn Ramadharsingh said yesterday he was not surprised by Lyndira Oudit’s resignation from the United National Congress (UNC) on Monday or that she has joined the Independent Liberal Party (ILP). “I know she had always had good relations with Mr Warner and I expect she may be more comfortable assisting where she is,” Ramadharsingh said while addressing reporters after a graduation function at San Fernando City Hall.
Ramadharsingh said Oudit’s decision to change parties was typical of a post-election period. “But these things will happen. An election result will cause persons to move,” he added. Oudit resigned from the UNC on Monday and accepted interim ILP leader Jack Warner’s invitation to join the ILP on Monday night. Yesterday, Ramadharsingh said people had different agendas and interests. He said many have also chosen to stay in order to build, rebuild and reconnect.
“When you have a change in the political system, people sometimes want to take advantage of that for their own purposes or pursuits. Nothing is wrong with that,” he said, adding that was the beauty of a democratic society, the right to choose. Ramadharsingh said, however, he did not expect any other members of the UNC to walk over to the ILP. “Not at all. In fact, people are now assessing their work and looking at ways to improve,” he said of the party’s approach, looking ahead.
He said that was the general feedback the party got from its members. With respect to the possible reshuffling of the Cabinet, Ramadharsingh said it was possible and it was the Prime Minister’s prerogative. He said when it came to his portfolio, he wanted to keep it. “I usually don’t like to move because I love what I do. So that’s all I can tell you,” he added.
When asked to address the possible perception that the party was falling apart, he said: “Not at all. UNC is one of two major political parties in this country. It has formed the government twice and it can do it again.” He added that yesterday’s national executive and parliamentary arm meetings were to facilitate dialogue. “Conversation leads to conversion,” he added.
When asked for an update on his defamation lawsuit against Warner, Ramadharsingh said Warner had failed to answer questions and issues posed to him in the pre-action protocol letter. “He’s (Warner) saying he is prepared to go to court. So my lawyers will continue to advise.”