It is imperative to dissect the recent events within the United National Congress (UNC) with a critical lens. Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny, not just from her political opponents but from within her own ranks. The emergence of the “Unity is Power” faction is a stark indication of the growing discontent and frustration that many UNC members feel under her leadership.
One cannot ignore the exodus of many seasoned and dedicated members during the stewardship of Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Individuals who were once pillars of the party, who worked tirelessly to build the UNC into a formidable political force are now estranged from the party not merely a result of ideological differences but stems from a deep disillusionment with Persad-Bissessar’s authoritarian anti-democratic style of leadership.
Persad-Bissessar’s recent attacks on Gary Griffith, a former ally and now the leader of the National Transformation Alliance (NTA), further illustrate her growing desperation. Rather than focusing on uniting the opposition and presenting a cohesive front against the ruling party, she has chosen to engage in petty squabbles that do nothing but weaken the UNC’s position. Her criticism of Griffith’s tenure as police commissioner appears hypocritical, especially considering that she once endorsed him as the best in the country’s history. This flip-flopping only serves to undermine her credibility and raise questions about her political judgment.
Furthermore, Persad-Bissessar’s dismissive attitude towards the formation of the Unity is Power party reflects her disconnect from the reality on the ground. This new faction did not emerge in a vacuum; it is the direct result of her refusal to listen to the concerns of her own party members and her insistence on maintaining control at all costs. Her statement, “I have no fear,” comes off as more of a defiant rejection of the truth rather than a confident assertion of her leadership. In a democratic system, dismissing dissenting voices and failing to adapt to changing political dynamics can lead to catastrophic consequences, not just for her leadership but for the UNC as a whole.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s leadership has alienated too many key members of the UNC, leading to internal fragmentation that threatens the party’s future as a serious electoral threat. Her focus on personal vendettas, and supporting blind loyalty rather than strategic unity is a clear indication that her time as a leader should come to an end. If the UNC is to survive and thrive, it must undergo a significant leadership change—one that prioritizes unity, inclusivity, and a clear vision for Trinidad and Tobago. Without such a change, the party will lose the next General Election.
Devant Maharaj, PhD, MBA
