TT: For shame, Panday

OPPOSITION LEADER Basdeo Panday yesterday predicted that the incidence of bomb threats would increase in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Panday reminded that he has always said that "when you (Government) block the democratic avenues for peaceful change, people are going to resort to violence. This is a kind of violence or incipient violence. And, if the Government continues to be autocratic and dictatorial, this is going to be the likely result".

He then warned: "They could do what they want, it's going to happen unless they change their methods of running the country."

Asked to comment on a remark by National Security Minister Martin Joseph that bomb threats were common during industrial unrest in the country, Panday remarked: "I think it is unfair to blame the unions without any evidence against them. That is a bit unfair."

The shame of this is Panday is providing cover for terrorists. While he may not agree with the policies of the Manning administration, to assert that a coup is the proper response to policy disagreements is contrary to the democratic principles of government to which TT has always held. By his words, Panday has signaled his consent to a violent and illegitimate change of government in TT. For such words to be uttered, by a former prime minister and leader of the opposition UNC, is the height of irresponsibility and bodes ill for the future of reasonable political discourse.