THE MICKELA FACTOR

THE personal and political stocks of Mickela Panday have risen – but to what end?

Without her venerable father Basdeo to guide her, would Mickela be able to maximise her abundant potential in the shark-infested political waters?

Ms. Panday’s public appearances during funeral functions for her esteemed dad won her plaudits across the political and ethnic divide.

She spoke with aplomb and was gracious and charitable, in the process embedding herself in the country’s consciousness.

Many commented on her elegance and polish, and her competent speaking manner.

But in a country of nine-day wonders and as the natives dive into the frenetic festival of Carnival, how sustainable are the fond memories of Mickela’s poise and self-assurance?

More than that, as Trinidad and Tobago races into a heady general election season, she would need to quickly find herself into a political lane.

That is, of course, if she is interested in a career in the hurly-burly of public life.

During funeral activities, there was a persistent drumbeat about Mickela seeking to continue her father’s legacy.

Her aborted attempt in 2020 – through a hastily formed organisation named Patriotic Front – unveiled her interest in the political fray.

The Patriotic Front is a paper organisation that is not likely to build momentum in the hurried months to the national polls.

That leaves her with the People’s National Movement and the United National Congress, both of which would surely swing open their doors to her and to which she would bring value.

There are reports that the PNM attempted to court Mickela a few years ago through the offer of a diplomatic posting.

There may be fresh overtures in the face of her current political attractiveness.

Panday’s daughter lining up with the PNM is of immeasurable benefit to Keith Rowley.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar has told of her efforts to contact Mickela and she would doubtlessly have interest beyond expressing condolences.

A UNC under any leadership would be bolstered by the younger Panday.

Could there be reconciliation between the UNC’s and Mickela?

If so, where would she fit in the scheme of things at the next national poll?

Would Carlos John negotiate an influential position?

It would soon pan out, but if Mickela plans on entering the political gayelle, she cannot miss the 2025 cycle, when there would still be an after-glow of her illustrious father.

Before jumping into the mix, she may well seek party assurances, such as constitutional reform as a priority item.

True to her father’s ideals, she may also clamour for programmes to ease poverty and to seek to unite the society.

She could become the embodiment of her father’s life-long aspirations.

Having understudied her dad, she would assuredly take his iron will and people’s skills into the electoral scrimmage.

More than that, her demeanour and elocution would be ongoing reminders of a man who turned conventional politics on its head and made an enduring impact on people’s lives.

A new generation Panday is an exciting political development, one that would have made the old man animated and buoyant.

But the Mickela Factor would soon have to unfold.

The election campaign has just gotten even more gripping.