By Sue-Ann Wayow

AS the curtain is closed on the general election campaigning, the United National Congress (UNC) political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar is reminding citizens of her unwavering love and plans for a better life for all.

In the final UNC rally at a packed out Aranguez Savannah on Saturday, she thanked everyone who has made the election campaign possible while dismissing all negative talk about her.

Persad-Bissessar, who just turned 73 a few days ago, said that while she may look small and frail, she had the heart of a mother who loved dearly.

To the UNC membership, she said, “You have carried me for many years. You have seen me fought for you in the first UNC government to now.”

She said, “My body may have aged because in the years of battering, bruising humiliation, ridicule, abuse and insult. I have been called the worst things you can be called. I have been called jamette, which I am not. I have been called drunk, which I am not. I have been called dog and every nasty word in between. But to you, my loyal UNC rank and file members, I was always Kamla.”

“Do not fear, Kamla is here!” Persad-Bissessar told flag-waving, horn-blowing, whistle-blowing supporters.

Throughout her political journey, she said she never became angry or bitter because in her darkest moments, her loyal supporters were there.

“I really want to thank you this evening, for caring, for loving me and lifting me up. Thank you!”

She acknowledged, “Yes I accept that my body may appear frail and small, but inside this body is the mind and heart of a mother that is filled with love.

“I have been and will always be a mother to all of you. Was I perfect? No I wasn’t. I humbly say sorry to my loyal rank and file membership for that. I did make some mistakes but as a good mother, I was never ashamed to be with you because I am UNC and I am proud.”

Persad-Bissessar reminded citizens that they should not take the risk and not vote on Monday, as their lives depend on it.

She ended with the Bible verse, “No weapon formed against us shall ever prosper.”

She said, “You have had leaders before me, you will always have leaders after me but you will never, ever have a leader that loves you as much as I do!”

Persad-Bissessar was flanked on stage by all 38 candidates of the UNC and its Coalition of Interests.

The UNC leader dedicated 2025 general election campaign to the 99% who she said was abandoned for the past ten years under the People’s National Movement (PNM).

UNC supporters lined Aranguez Main Road on Saturday ushering all those who were entering as they contended for hours in traffic with maxis, music trucks and motorbikes.

Apart from the sea of yellow, there was also a green and orange crowd, in support of the unions and the Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP).

PEP’s political leader Phillip Alexander was a speaker at the event, along with political leader of the Congress of the People (COP) Prakash Ramadhar, president General of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) Ancel Roget and head of the Public Services Association (PSA) Felisha Thomas.

Also giving remarks were former PNM attorney general John Jeremie SC and from the UNC side, its three deputy leaders, Dr David Lee, Dr Roodal Moonilal and Jearlean John who introduced Persad-Bissessar to the crowd.

The four-hour event began with a gospel concert and featured many performances, including chutney singer Drupatee Ramgoonai in the beginning and ending off with soca star Iwer George.