By Alicia Chamely

“THE people turned away from some politicians who no longer feel they were fighting for them. But we can change that, we must change that, and we will change that, together.”

This was promise made by Opposition Leader and political leader-elect of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Pennelope Beckles on Saturday night at the One PNM campaign launch, held at the Angel Harps Pan Theatre, Arima.

Beckles acknowledged over the past few years, people suffered under economic hardships and a scourge of crime that left many fearful to leave their homes.

She said, “And yes let us not pretend some of that pain came during a time when the PNM was in charge. As a party we must be honest enough to face the truth. We must be brave enough to say, ‘we did not always get it right.’ There were moments when we were disconnected, when our policies felt distant from people’s lives, when your tone felt too hard and our ears not open enough.”

Beckles said the ONE PNM slate accepted accountability and was prepared to make amends for the shortcomings of the party.

She said, “We are not here to make excuses, we are here to right the wrongs and make amends and simply to do better. One PNM is not just a slate it’s a statement, that PNM can heal PNM can united and PNM can grow again.”

Discussing the general election results, where 102,000 eligible people stayed away from the polls, Beckles said their absence served a swift and shocking lesson.

Beckles said, “We the Peoples National Movement, we have recognised the importance of having a loving party, love means listening and validating, genuine sentiments. It also means accepting responsibility for your actions.”