Dissidents: 'The people have spoken'Just days after dancing on a PNM platform with a cocoyea broom in hand, former Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally has congratulated the United National Congress (UNC) on its general election victory, the very outcome he once claimed was impossible under Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s leadership.
“The results speaks for itself. The people have spoken. I fully respect their mandate. It goes without saying that sincerest congratulations to the UNC and in the best interests of the country, I wish them well.” Rambally told the Express yesterday via WhatsApp yesterday.
One year ago, Rambally was branded a dissident by the UNC, along with four other MPs, when they publicly criticised Persad-Bissessar’s leadership. In April 2024, Rambally warned that the party was heading for its “third consecutive loss” if it failed to reform.
Instead, under Persad-Bissessar, the UNC swept the April 28 polls, routing the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) in a landslide.
In February, Rambally withdrew his candidacy for Chaguanas West, accusing the UNC of deploying racism and intolerance. Weeks later, he appeared on a PNM stage alongside former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley, symbolically sweeping as the party played its campaign anthem “Sweeping Time.”
Though Rambally said he had resigned from the UNC and had not formally joined the PNM, he went on to publicly endorse the Stuart Young-led slate at the party’s final rally on Saturday.
There he was joined by former UNC Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes-Alleyne, another dissident who broke with the party after supporting Rushton Paray’s bid to challenge Persad-Bissessar for leadership in 2024.
Yesterday, Haynes-Alleyne, who wore red at the PNM rally last Saturday, also extended congratulations: “I congratulate Mrs Persad-Bissessar and her team on the victory. The United National Congress has been given a resounding mandate to govern and holds the great expectations of our people. Today is a new day for Trinidad and Tobago. I hope that a positive vision for the future prospers. Let us continue to work for a better Trinidad and Tobago.”
Senior Counsel Larry Lalla, who also switched to the PNM a few weeks ago, said in a reflective Facebook post that he was “over the disappointment of yesterday,” adding , “In my life I’ve been through several trials and tribulations, which have made me who I am today. In those difficulties I have made choices, and to this day, including this morning, I have no regrets. Life goes on and we have to thank God for each new day.
“Jokes and fatigue are par for the course for anyone involved in the politics of the country and I’m sure there’ll be many. Going forward I will always do what I believe is best for our country…knowing that we will never all agree on this point….at the end of the day all that matters is what is inside and whether we can eventually face our maker with our true self.”
Paray congratulates MorrisMeanwhile, Paray also issued a statement yesterday, congratulating Persad-Bissessar on her election victory.” Her return to government reflects the will of the people and signals a renewed mandate for better governance, national stability, and a focus on delivering results. I trust that under her stewardship , there will be stronger accountability, improved institutions, and meaningful support for struggling communities across Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.
Paray also congratulated Nicholas Morris, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Mayaro, saying, “ Taking up this role is no small task. The constituency faces serious, long-standing issues—from deteriorating roads, coastal erosion, inadequate water services, to limited access to state agencies, joblessness, and rising crime”.
He said Morris inherits the responsibility of addressing these matters both at the grassroots and national levels and the people of Mayaro will be depending on him to bring practical solutions, fight for their fair share of resources, and be visible and accessible in every community.
“I wish him the strength to stay grounded, the patience to navigate the system, and the courage to speak up where it matters. Representing Mayaro demands commitment and consistency—not slogans, but action,” Paray said.
He added that as he steps away from active parliamentary representation he remained committed to national service in whatever capacity he can contribute. “My respect and gratitude go out to the people of Mayaro, who trusted me over the years. I thank you all for your support, and I encourage every citizen to stay engaged, hold your representatives accountable, and push for the change you want to see,” he said.
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