The United National Congress on Thursday conducted a Local Government training session for Mayors, Chairmen, Deputies, and Minority Leaders at the UNC Headquarters in Chaguanas following the significant victory of the UNC in the 2023 LGE, winning a majority of votes, new districts, and new Aldermen.
The training was led by Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan, former Minister of Local Government and Works and Infrastructure (among other portfolios), former Deputy Leader of the UNC, and former Mayor of the Borough of Chaguanas.
Dr Rambachan opened the session as a conversation with the leaders of local government. He noted that the Hon. Kamla Persad Bissessar and UNC had placed great faith in them, and that they in turn have a duty not to betray that faith.
Dr. Rambachan noted that the country has already collapsed: everything from WASA, to National Security, to roads and bridges have fallen apart. He emphasised that it is the job of local government representatives to inspire the population with their leadership and help chart the way for the return of a UNC government that will deliver.
Dr. Rambachan also condemned what he called “the everyday attacks” on UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar by the media and certain personalities. He recognised Mrs. Persad-Bissessar as being more powerful than even she may realise, and that these attacks persist because she remains the strongest voice against the PNM. Dr. Rambachan emphasised that Mrs. Persad-Bissessar is the democratically elected leader of the party, and that we must respect all who contest internal elections but, most of all, the will of the vast majority of the party’s membership.
Dr. Rambachan challenged the participants to understand themselves as Leaders, with tremendous power to do good, and to ask themselves, “What do you want to be remembered for when you leave your office?”
The UNC said the training session is part of their commitment to providing excellence in service in Government, both in this Local Government term, and for when the UNC returns to Government after the next general elections.