The contentious issue of deputy leader of the UNC Surujrattan Rambachan’s sitting on the party’s screening committee when Jack Warner appears before it as a candidate for Chaguanas West seat in the upcoming by-election has been resolved. Yesterday, the man described as a “mega-minister” by Warner, by virtue of his holding both the Works and Local Government Ministries, said he would recuse himself from the UNC screening committee when Warner appears as a candidate.
“I would recuse myself from the screening. I don’t want Mr Warner to feel uncomfortable. I wish him the best,” Rambachan said in a telephone interview yesterday. His change of mind came on the eve of Warner’s filing his nomination papers today at the party’s headquarters, Rienzi Complex, Couva. Rambachan said he had no problem with Warner. Even though a date is yet to be announced for the by-election, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has invited prospective candidates to file nomination papers.
UNC executive member Dr Roodal Moonilal said several people had shown an interest in contesting the seat for the party but the focus now was on the party’s third annual celebration tomorrow. The rally, commemorating the People’s Partnership victory in the 2010 general election, will be held at the Mid Centre Mall car park.
Last week, Warner collected his nomination papers which he expects to file around 1.30 pm at the Rienzi Complex, where screening for local government elections has begun. The elections are constitutionally due by July. Warner, who resigned his position as a Cabinet minister, MP and chairman of the UNC over allegations of fraud and corruption while he was on the world football governing body, FIFA, said he did not want to be reinstated to any of the positions. He said he would fight for any position he so desired.
While there is no guarantee Warner will get the nod, once he is screened, the former MP, who has enjoyed popular support from his constituents, is yet to determine whether or not he will contest the post as an Independent.