Caption: Robert Le Hunte
By Sue-Ann Wayow
FORMER People’s National Movement (PNM) chairman Stuart Young said focus should now be on peace and stability as opposed to self-serving agendas.
He made the statement just ahead of the PNM internal elections on Sunday.
Young who resigned from his post following the PNM’s defeat at the April 28 general elections, did not offer himself to contest any post despite being a former prime minister.
He posted on Facebook, “I took a personal decision as a matter of principle to maintain silence during the course of the PNM’s internal elections. My silence should not be interpreted as weakness.
“I have always prioritised service to country and to the PNM party. There is no instance where I have engaged in self-serving behaviour especially of the financial benefit type.
“I have listened to, read and observed the comments of those who have offered themselves as candidates in the internal elections and, at this time, I will continue to refrain from commenting and/ or engaging.”
Young stated, “However, I will say that when referring to referendums it should be noted that I succeeded in winning my seat of Port of Spain North/ St Ann’s West by 4,626 votes over my nearest competitor (there was only one other PNM candidate who secured a wider margin of victory).”
He said, “At this time when there are serious issues facing us in Trinidad and Tobago and even globally, I believe that we should focus on peace and stability as opposed to self-serving agendas.”
‘Young should apologise to population and party’
However, Young received backlash for his statement from former vice chairman Robert Le Hunte.
Le Hunte also posted on Facebook on Sunday evening, “Mr Young, your talents are evident. But as with all leaders, your ultimate success will not be measured by personal victories, but by your ability to learn, grow, and lift others with you. That, more than anything, is what the PNM and the country needs now.”
Le Hunte commended Young for his years of service and that his commitment to both party and country was unquestionable however he said leadership was not just about holding office but also holding responsibility.
He said he was among those who questioned the circumstances surrounding Young’s emergence as “the anointed successor to the Prime Minister.” While the process might have been legal, many saw it as morally questionable and lacking in transparency, Le Hunte said.
To Young, he said, the last general election PNM campaign focused heavily on him instead of the party and the PNM lost not just because of policy but because of an arrogant attitude portrayed largely by both Young and his prime ministerial predecessor Dr Keith Rowley.
With reference to Young winning back his constituency, Le Hunte said, “Leadership in defeat demands introspection, not applause.”
Le Hunte said, “In such a context, the minimum expectation is an acknowledgement of missteps and a sincere apology to the population and the party. Reminding us that you won your seat in a stronghold does not meet the moment. What is needed now is humility, contrition, and a commitment to rebuilding from the ground up.
“Political maturity requires the ability to admit when things have gone wrong, and the wisdom to rebuild with a renewed sense of purpose. I sincerely hope that this period in opposition is used wisely not just to regroup but to reflect on the causes of our defeat and to design a more inclusive, empathetic, and forward-looking model of leadership.”
