PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The main opposition in Trinidad and Tobago, the United National Congress (UNC) says it has withdrawn from the Council for Responsible Political Behaviour, the brainchild of Roman Catholic Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Harris CSSp and chaired by political analyst and University of the West Indies (UWI) Lecturer, Dr Bishnu Ragoonath.

It was formed in 2014 and aimed to maintain a code of ethics in politics which would maintain the highest moral principles.

In a brief January 30, 2025 letter to Ragoonath, UNC chairman, Davendranath Tancoo wrote that the UNC “hereby withdraws from the Council for Responsible Political Behaviour”.

The party gave no reasons for its decision, saying it “remains committed to upholding the Constitution and the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago”.

Ragoonath has since confirmed receipt of the letter and said he was given no reason for the withdrawal.

In August last year, Ragoonath said that since 2016, the council had been operating with a total budget of TT$75,000 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) and that it had enough money to continue minimal operation until the end of 2025.

Ragoonath, speaking during the Enhancing Ethical and Effective Coverage workshop, hosted by the Media Institute of the Caribbean, the British High Commission Port of Spain and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said the council had developed a code designed to have political parties observe civilised, integrity-filled conduct during their campaigning.

It was later endorsed by five political parties including the ruling People’s National Movement and the UNC.

Included in the code is that parties should not make false or defamatory allegations in print or speech in connection with an election in respect of any party, its candidates, representatives, or members.

The parties should also not seek to assassinate the character of or make defamatory comments about any individual, family, professional group, or section of the community.

They should not abuse a position of power, privilege, or influence, including parental, patriarchal, traditional or employment authority to influence the conduct or outcome of an election.

The parties must also not indulge in negative campaigning or advertising or any action which would bring the political process into disrepute and they should maintain the highest moral principles and ethical standards with respect to their conduct.

General elections will be held in Trinidad and Tobago later this year.