By Sue-Ann Wayow and Faith Edwards

THE Opposition of Trinidad and Tobago will be a voice of reason, portraying professionalism, respect, understanding, strength and clarity.

This was the statement given by Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles who is making history by taking her place in Parliament as the first female Opposition Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM).

Speaking during the First Session of the 13th Parliament on Friday, Beckles said she was humbled by the opportunity and thanked her colleagues for their unwavering support.

“We pledge to put the people above politics, country above party,” she promised.

Beckles said the Opposition will be the watchdog for fairness across the board.

“The People’s National Movement cautions that we will not sit by and allow the wholesale adoption of unsuitable legislation into our country. We demand due diligence and reject cut and paste approaches which have not been properly vetted,” she said.

Beckles also said, “To avoid vindictiveness, the People’s National Movement will not stand by and see citizens victimised on the basis of political preference. Our fiscal policies must prioritise small business support, food security, energy diversification, digital transformation, and above all, the dignity of all citizens.”

She said crime and other issues of critical importance cannot be solved by political football games nor by superficial proposition of undemocratic measures.

The opposition leader also advised the government to think deeply before making any policy changes.

She said the Opposition anticipated the government’s discussions on Tobago’s autonomy, which required combined effort for its advancement as well as the environment and climate change.

In closing, Beckles congratulated House Speaker Jagdeo Singh and Deputy House Speaker Dr Aiyna Ali on their appointments.

“I wish you both, as well as you, preside over this chamber with the highest levels of impartiality and fairness,” she said.