Former Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday

The House will meet with Panday as the former Couva North MP says goodbye to Parliament after serving some 30 years.

Panday, speaking during a television interview, confirmed that he had received a letter from House Speaker, Barry Sinanan, informing him that the Couva North seat, which he (Panday) held for some 30 years, is  being declared vacant.

The Couva North constituency will remain without any Parliamentary representation, at least until after a general election is called, because under the current Trinidad constitution a by- election in such a case cannot be held within the final year before calling a general election.

One former House Speaker, Nizam Mohammad, reacting to the development, said Panday will be greatly missed, in that he had made an indelible mark on the political landscape of the country.

Panday now awaits the outcome of an appeal in relation to a conviction against him, on charges that he failed to declare his bank accounts for three years to the Integrity Commission.

The veteran politician is also facing corruption charges with regard to the 1.6 billion dollar Piarco International Airport terminal building project.

Panday continues to accuse the Patrick Manning-led administration of engaging in what he called a conspiracy to destroy him.