Samuda stands alone?

The circumstances today are a far cry from those which existed 19 years ago, but political veteran, Karl Samuda, has found himself enwrapped in a similar predicament to that of 1991 when he was ostracised from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

The JLP was in Opposition. Quite unlike now, but as it was then, the party is being rocked by scandals, infighting, challenges, and rumours of jostling for positions.

In 1991, Samuda was a member of the 'Gang of Five' that distracted and divided the party.

The other members were Edmund Bartlett, Pearnel Charles, Douglas Vaz, and the late Errol Anderson.

The most outspoken of the lot were Charles and Samuda, who defiantly stood up to Seaga.

The feisty Samuda paid dearly for his forthrightness during those tumultuous years, and he was kicked out of the party.

Not even the courts could save him.

Secured injunction

Charles was more fortunate as he rushed to secure an injunction in the courts, which barred the Edward Seaga-led JLP from booting him.

An angry Samuda sat as an independent member in the House of Representatives for a few months before joining the People's National Party, depriving the JLP of the customary North Central St Andrew seat in the 1993 general election.

On the threshold of two decades later, another move appears to be afoot to oust the political veteran.

Samuda seems to be a one-man gang up against a group of Bruce Golding loyalists on the hunt.

It was Golding's chief lieutenant, Daryl Vaz, who threw out the challenge while Samuda was away on the nation's business.

Samuda has yet to respond, despite previously boasting that he was ready for any challenger. Now, the Labourites are pondering over whether Samuda is battle-weary.

- G.S.