Pubdate: Wed, 25 May 2005
Source: Trinidad Express (Trinidad)
Copyright: 2005 Trinidad Express
Contact:  http://www.trinidadexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1093
Author: Louis B Homer

PANDAY: INDIANS WILL CELEBRATE 'DEPARTURE DAY'

East Indian businessmen are being kidnapped and forced to sell out
their businesses very cheap before leaving to settle in another
country, according to Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday.

He said the drug lords are at the centre of such activities.

"The drug lords are terrorising the businessmen so that they could
acquire their property at a cheap rate," he said.

Panday said the action by kidnappers is having a serious effect on the
real estate market and families are leaving Trinidad in droves, which
is a reversal of the trend when the United National Congress was in
power.

"When we were in government people brought back their money to
Trinidad to invest in business," he said.

He said in a few days people will not be celebrating East Indian
Arrival Day. "What they will be celebrating will be East Indian
Departure Day."

Panday was speaking at a meeting of party supporters last Monday at
Avocat Vedic School in the constituency of Fyzabad.

Panday said the PNM government was so desperate that they have begun
to terrorise his family and workers of the party.

"Their object is to terrorise my workers, they have already forced my
children to go abroad, and for this I will not forgive them," he said.

Panday criticised Manning for his recent statement that runaway crime
in the country is temporary, and government has plans for its reduction.

He said it was ridiculous for Manning to make such statements when
there were already 136 murders for the year, with 25
kidnappings.

Panday said it was an insult to supporters of the PNM for Manning to
make such a statement while crime is on the increase.

After the meeting party supporters went to the home of Councillor
Doodnath Mayrhoo at Ackbar Trace, Avocat, where Panday was guest of
honour at a birthday party held in his honour.

Panday was 71 last Monday.

Supporters who attended the function were treated to a lavish curry
meal and tassa music.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin