Jairzinho Rigsby, the United National Congress’ (UNC) former candidate for Arima Northeast in the Local Government elections has resigned from the party.
Rigsby severed ties with the party in a July 24 resignation letter addressed to UNC general secretary Peter Kanhai.
He claims he was poorly treated at the recent budget consultations in Arima and has issues with what he called the UNC’s ideologies.
Rigsby recently supported the United Patriots team led by Mayaro MP Rushton Paray, which unsuccessfully contested the party’s June 15 national executive elections. Rigsby had sought the post of North East Regional Representative but lost to UNC Star team candidate Khadijah Ameen.
Rigsby was among speakers at the UNC’s Arima Budget consultations on July 17. He was notified by hosts that he had three minutes to give his presentation and was reminded of that when the time was up. Rigsby’s face was also not shown on camera.
In his resignation letter, Rigsby said, “My decision to leave has been an easy one in view of the modus operandi of the UNC. Moreover, I do so in the best traditions of integrity, fair-play, accountability, transparency and ethical behaviour.
“I have always advocated and offered solutions at constituency levels to improve the UNC brand along the East-West Corridor, most recently at the internal elections. “
He added, “Moreover, the party’s behaviour towards me at the recent concluded budget consultations leaves much to be desired especially when you were also present. I have always advocated for solutions that is future oriented in terms of constitutional reform, climate change mitigation, sound economic research, unemployment, research/development, educating the membership, Fintech solutions to address our forex and fuel issues and many more ideas that will build a better Trinidad and Tobago.”
Rigsby also highlighted his concerns about the beliefs of the UNC.
“Unfortunately, the ideology of the UNC and myself are at a crossroads, especially in terms of change, integrity, credibility and ethical behaviours. There is no embracing of ideas and creativity and the continuous suppression of free speech continues to go unabated. I cannot and will not be a part of such a toxic organisational culture.
“I would usually follow protocol and wish the party all the best in its future endeavours but in this instance, I feel compelled to refrain from such given the party’s treatment of myself while being a member of the party,” he stated.