In a politically charged statement during a United National Congress (UNC) media briefing on January 18, party PRO Dr. Kirk Meighoo asserted that the Trinidad and Tobago government’s policy formulation occurs at the opposition party’s headquarters in Chaguanas. The controversial remarks have ignited debate about the separation between party operations and governmental functions in the Caribbean nation.
Addressing journalists and online viewers at the UNC’s Mulchan Seuchan Road facility, Meighoo declared, “We are here at the UNC headquarters, which is where the policy of the government of TT has been formulated.” He characterized the UNC as “a national party open to all” with members “dedicated to making sure that everybody wins.”
When questioned about non-governmental UNC members participating in policy development, Meighoo affirmed this practice occurs through party committees and manifesto formation processes. He defended the arrangement as normal democratic practice, stating, “The UNC forms the government, we were voted in by the majority and this is how democracy works.”
The location and branding of government briefings have drawn public scrutiny, with observers noting the consistent use of UNC facilities and party banners rather than traditional government venues like the Red House or Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s. This departure from previous administrative practices has raised questions about the transparency and separation of party versus state activities in the current political landscape.
Meighoo further positioned the UNC as “the largest organisation in TT and perhaps the English-speaking Caribbean,” asserting the party’s continued central role in the nation’s democratic processes despite its official opposition status.