Caption: Supporters of Penelope Beckles-Robinson outside Balisier House. AZP News/Alicia Chamely
By Alicia Chamely
PEOPLE’S National Movement (PNM) Opposition Leader-elect Penelope Beckles-Robinson has the full confidence of parliamentary colleagues and party supporters.
Speaking with AZP News outside of Balisier House, Port-of-Spain, on Wednesday night shortly after Beckles-Robinson was announced as Opposition Leader-elect, MP for Laventille West Kareem Marcelle said, “I am very excited. You see I have always loved and supported Aunty Penny as I call her. I was one of the first members to recommend and support her.”
He said after the party’s loss at the polls, the best person to redirect and heal the party was “Aunty Penny.”
Former MP for Lopinot/Bon Air West Marvin Gonzales said the party was very fortunate to have someone as experienced as Beckles-Robinson during a time when the party is regrouping and moving forward.
He said, “We are looking forward and we are very anxious to serve with her and work with her in holding the new government accountable to Trinidad and Tobago.”
PNM General Council Member Jennifer Baptiste-Primus said, “As a woman, having Penelope as being appointed as the opposition leader of the PNM we have made history in that regard. I am simply delighted.”
Never one shy to hide opinions, longtime PNM activist Melba Boxhill said, “Penny is the only person right now to bring back the PNM from the trenches.”
She believed that had Beckles-Robinson gone against the United National Congress leader and Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Monday’s election, instead of former prime minister Stuart Young, the outcome would have been different.
The street in front of Balisier House was flooded with Beckles-Robinson supporters yesterday from 4.30 pm waiting for the PNM General Council to announce who had been selected to serve as leader of the opposition.
When Beckles-Robinson emerged as Opposition Leader-elect the crowd exploded with excitement as she joined them outside posing for pictures and embracing those who showed their support as she embarked in her new role.
Beckles-Robinson was joined by party members Faris Al-Rawi, Foster Cummings, Nyan Gatsby-Dolly, Colm Imbert, Marcelle, and Gonzales as she celebrated her appointment.
