By Sue-Ann Wayow
KAMLA Persad-Bissessar has retained her position as political leader of the United National Congress (UNC).
On Sunday, Persad-Bissessar emerged victorious along with her Star Team in the UNC internal elections.
She won by a landslide victory.
Although there have been many calls for her to resign her position and other UNC members have contested the post of leadership, Persad-Bissessar has remained in the position since selected leader on January 24, 2010, taking over from founder of the party Basdeo Panday.
A media release from the UNC on Monday stated that the preliminary figures as at Sunday night showed that approximately 13,000 people came out to vote, despite the adverse weather warning, heavy rain, thunder, flooding, and power outages in much of the country.
The Star team received over 95% of the votes cast.
In her victory speech at her constituency office in Penal, Persad-Bissessar said she was moved to tears by the continued outpouring of support.
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She said, “Today, despite the heavy rains, lightning, flooding and loss of electricity in many areas, my beautiful loving and loyal UNC members came out in their thousands to participate in the free, democratic internal elections of our party.
“It brought tears to my eyes to see so many of you brave the torrential rainfall and flooding in areas to come out to support me. Seeing many of you making it to polling stations with your clothing soaked just to vote for me touched my heart dearly. My will to fight for you and the love I have for you continues to grow.”
The 70-year-old UNC leader thanked all who voted for her and her team.
“I have never been ashamed to love you and you have never been ashamed to love me. I will love you all till the day the good Lord calls me home,” she said.
Former Government Minister Fuad Khan had contended the post of political leader this time. IN the last internal election, Vasant Bharath had contended and Dr Roodal Moonilal challenged the position in the first internal election since Persad-Bissessar became leader. All had lost considerably.
Dr Moonilal remains a member of the Persad-Bissessar slate and continues in his position as Deputy Political Leader.
Persad-Bissessar pledged to continue working for her country and also extended a hand to her previous opponents to work together for development.
The new National Executive members are:
- Political Leader: Kamla Persad-Bissessar;
- Chairman: Dave Tancoo;
- Deputy Political Leaders: Dr Roodal Moonilal, David Lee, Jearlean John;
- Vice-Chairman: Khadijah Ameen;
- Education Officer: Vandana Mohit;
- Research Officer: Saddam Hosein;
- Elections Officer: Don Sylvester;
- Party Organiser: Ravi Ratiram;
- Treasurer: Neil Gosine;
- Tobago Regional Co-ordinator: Taharqa Obika;
- Policy and Strategy Co-ordinator: Sean Sobers;
- International Relations Officer: Wilfred Morris;
- South Co-ordinator: Shanti Boodram;
- Central Co-ordinator: Barry Padarath ;
- Northwest Co-ordinator: Eli Zakour; and
- Northeast Co-ordinator: Anil Roberts
