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Rise and fall of Kamla

Persad-Bissessar

EVEN as more Opposition MPs in Trinidad supported the rise of newly-elected United Mational Congress (UNC) leader, MP Kamla Persad- Bissessar to be Leader of the Opposition, sadly on Friday she fell badly in Parliament, fracturing her shoulder.

It was virtually a case of the rise and fall of Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

This totally unexpected incident converged the worlds of Parliament (which had an ordinary week), and the Opposition (which is in high machinations over whether former UNC leader Basdeo Panday or Mrs Persad- Bissessar should be Leader of the Opposition). The week saw Persad-Bissessar enjoy the support of most UNC MPs, who refused to join Panday’s walk out of a UNC caucus meeting, except for Subhas Panday, Mickela Panday and Kelvin Ramnath.

If Persad-Bissessar were to be badly injured, would this throw a lifeline to the political hopes of Panday, who sometimes looks like he would grasp at any straw in order to stay in office?

While we imbue our leaders with superhuman qualities, the incident of Kamla’s fall is a reminder that they, like us, are mere flesh and blood, vulnerable to injury and ill- health. Reports are that Mrs Persad-Bissessar was talking on her cell-phone and walking down two steps when she stumbled and fell down flat on the parliamentary chamber floor. Those present were startled by the loud bang.

Minister of Education, Ester Le Gendre rushed to help Persad-Bissessar who was then rushed to St Clair Medical Centre by Caroni East MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh and Princes Town North MP Subhas Panday. She was warded overnight.

-- From T&T Newsday editorial