“The Prime Minister ran. She heard of the reaction of the people to Minister Benjamin, and decided to avoid the embarrassment,” he said. Padarath said Persad-Bissessar had participated in several Emancipation events and accused the PNM of trying to dictate her movements. He accused successive PNM administrations of neglecting certain communities, while claiming some supporters had been encouraged to oppose attempts at change. “That message was delivered loud and clear to the minister, Cabinet and Prime Minister.”