Dr. Keith Rowley, the prime minister and political leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM), claims that his party has consistently contributed to the development, upholding, and defense of interracial unity in T&T throughout the years.
He urged party members not to “tie up” with those who are attempting to split the party or who are doubting the selection of Energy Minister and PNM chairman Stuart Young to succeed him as prime minister, while speaking on January 25 at the celebration of the party’s 69th anniversary at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port of Spain.
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He rejected such discussions, claiming that the late Sir Solomon Hochoy, the nation’s first governor-general, was the only Chinese person he had ever interacted with. He asked why there would be “a Chinee PM” and why the opposition and others were so worried about PNM business.
“When you see the PNM caucus vote Stuart Young to lead the PNM in the Parliament as PM, get the hell out of our business!”
PM Rowley questioned, “And don’t you believe that you can incite PNM members about who is our leader and the shade of his skin, because it is the same PNM members who, before that, voted him as chairman of the People’s National Movement?”
Rowley listed several PNM government policies and initiatives that continue to help T&T residents in the areas of infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and education.
He said that despite the United National Congress’s (UNC) objections, the initiatives were successful.
He cited instances where the UNC attempted to undermine PNM’s attempts to better T&T’s circumstances, such as obtaining ferries for the Seabridge and the projected Sandals hotel for Tobago. According to him, the opposition aggressively sought to thwart both plans and opposed both.
PM Rowley remarked, “Instead of supporting us in such difficult circumstances, all we get from them is an attempt to celebrate where it appears as though we may not have succeeded.”
In addition, he said that the Opposition “embarrassed the country” by “pandering” to another country’s politics to “get along” with other world leaders. This was in reference to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the leader of the opposition, who on January 20 praised US President Donald Trump and criticized the administration of former President Joe Biden.
In the meanwhile, he claimed that the non-intervention and non-interference tenets were shared by all PNM prime ministers.
He said that T&T sought advice, protection, and assistance from the UN when it wished to collaborate with Venezuela. Furthermore, the PNM government did not engage with any political party or individual; rather, it dealt with the Venezuelan government.
Rowley said that his administration had difficulties because criminal groups were putting people’s lives “a living hell.” He claimed that although gangs had existed in the nation from the early days of Steelpan, things had become worse as the weapons they now had access to were more effective at murdering.
He reaffirmed the need for families to teach their children respect for others and themselves, emphasizing that interactions with young people must begin at home.
He said that police productivity needed to increase, and that today’s criminals were making fun of both people and law enforcement personnel.
Young and the PNM general secretary also spoke to the audience before 14 individuals were awarded the Dr. Eric Williams Medal of Honor.
