PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday has labelled Trinidad and Tobago nationals as "cowards" after expressing disappointment that they did not take up his call for civil disobedience against the government.

The United National Congress-Alliance co-leader had earlier called on the population to engage in civil disobedience against the Patrick Manning administration to protest what he said was its failure to deal with crime and other challenges facing the society following the November 5 general election

Having not received the desired response, Panday said many people in the twin-island republic wanted to take up his call but they would not because they are "cowards".