Media release

Contact: Brittany Bain Tel.: 637-6966 Ext 312/ 790-0972 Email: bbain@chamber.org.tt

October 13, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

It is with deep regret that the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission (TTDC) has learnt that Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the agreed Leader of the Peoples Partnership, has chosen not to participate in the Leaders Debate and has now delegated this responsibility to Mr. Prakash Ramadhar, a leader within the Peoples Partnership.

As stated in the Fyzabad Declaration, dated April 21 2010, The Partners agree that the Leader of the Partnership and Prime Ministerial Candidate is and shall be Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The TTDC invited the Leaders of the Peoples National Movement (PNM), Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), Independent Liberal Party (ILP) and Peoples Partnership (PP) to engage in the Leaders Debate. This is a natural progression from the first debate, as we seek to strengthen the democratic process by staging debates on matters of national importance to assist the electorate in making informed political choices. Given the current political dispensation, the views of those appointed to lead the parties/coalitions are important for Local Government Reform.

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Based on the feedback from the people of Trinidad and Tobago via the wider media it is clear that the public also expects Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar to be the one to debate. The TTDC strongly urges the Leader of the Peoples Partnership to reconsider her decision not to participate.

THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO DEBATES COMMISSION

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