UNITED National Congress (UNC) Political Leader Winston Dookeran has brushed aside reports that his political campaign is being funded by financiers of the People’s National Movement (PNM) .

Speaking with TnT Mirror at a dinner he hosted for the media at Singho Restaurant, Long Circular Mall, St. James last Friday night, Dookeran admitted hearing of the rumours, saying they were wild propaganda being spread by some members of the divided UNC executive.

“There is no truth in that report. There are some professionals and businessmen who are giving me their support to execute my duties as political leader,” he said.

When asked whether he was paying out of his pocket for the media dinner, Dookeran said two of his close friends -- two medical doctors -- had taken up the cost.

Senator Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan thanked the doctors, Omar Ali and Frank Ramlackhansingh, who were in attendance, for their support.

In is short address to members of the media, Dookeran said: “I know the media plays a unique and vital role in a properly functioning democracy.

“For the media to function effectively, though, there must be a supportive and enabling environment,” he said.

“In our country the media operates freely but, to play a meaningful role of shaping the future in this age of information (and disinformation at times), a supporting environment is essential.

“That is why I’m appalled by recent decisions to reduce the scope of the Freedom of Information Act and concerned by issues which you have raised with respect to the Draft Broadcast Code,” the former Central Bank Governor added.

“Tonight, however, is not a time to get into any heavy discussion. Suffice it to say that I am committed to a free media -- even as I acknowledge that inherent in that freedom is the right to criticise all public officials, myself included,” Dookeran said.

“Regrettably, some academics spoiled what otherwise would have been a sterling records of the events of l990 ( the attempted coup by Muslimeen insurgents, led by Imam Yasin Abu Bakr).

“That is why I requested then, and repeat now, that an official inquiry should be carried out into that dark week in July l990 and the circumstances which allowed it to happen,” he said.

UNC activists (from left): KAMA MAHARAJ,
ROY AUGUSTUS, MP GANGA SINGH and
Senator SADIQ BAKSH.

UNC Political Leader WINSTON DOOKERAN and
his wife, SHIRLEY (centre) talking to a guest.

Senator CAROLYN SEEPERSAD-BACHAN
having a chat with TV6’s Morning Show
host, Dr. KEITH CLIFFORD.

“Ah really can’t get you back in the Senate,”
could be what Dookeran is saying to former
UNC Senator Robin “Suck My Socks”
MONTANO.

Some of the female guests at the function.

Dookeran added: “Today, we may still be under threat -- not one so dramatic, but one that I feel is extremely worrisome; it is the weakening of our institutions and the erosion of national trust in the leadership of our nation.”