“If you want it, come and take it. I will be waiting.” So declared Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar last night as she announced that the United National Congress (UNC) leadership elections would be held and she intended to contest the post of political leader.

Persad-Bissessar has been the UNC’s leader since 2010 when she defeated former prime minister and UNC leader Basdeo Panday. Since then, she has trounced every person who sought the leadership, including Dr Roodal Moonilal and Vasant Bharath.

Speaking at the Penal Secondary School at the UNC Monday Night Report last night, Persad-Bissessar said the party’s National Executive would meet this week to decide on the date for the internal election of the political leader.