PRESIDENT Christine Kangaloo has been formally notified that Pennelope Beckles, Member of Parliament-elect for Arima will accept the position of Opposition Leader.
The letter dated April 30, bore the signatures of all 13 People’s National Movement (PNM) candidates who were successful in winning their constituencies in the general election including former prime minister Stuart Young, SC.
A copy of the letter was issued to the media on Sunday evening.
The letter stated, “We, the undermentioned and undersigned duly elected Members of the House of Representatives who do not support the Government, do hereby inform, declare and confirm that we support Pennelope Beckles, the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Arima as the Leader of the Opposition.
The signatories are:
· Dominic Romain – Malabar/Mausica
· Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly – St Ann’s East
· Symon de Nobriga – Diego Martin Central
· Marvin Gonzales – Arouca/Lopinot
· Stuart Young – Port of Spain North/ St Ann’s West
· Brian Manning – San Fernando East
· Camille Robinson-Regis – Trincity/Maloney
· Keith Scotland, SC – Port of Spain South
· Christian Birchwood – Laventille East/Morvant
· Hans Des Vignes – Diego Martin West
· Kareem Marcelle – Laventille West
· Colm Imbert – Diego Martin North/East
· Pennelope Beckles – Arima.
Beckles signed under the statement, “I Pennelope Beckles, the duly elected the Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Arima do hereby inform, declare and confirm that I am willing to accept the appointment as the Leader of the Opposition, in the House of Representatives.”
Beckles is expected to be sworn in on Tuesday.
A media release by PNM’s General Secretary Foster Cummings was also issued at the same time.
The release states the PNM is placing its full support behind Beckles who was selected last week unanimously by the PNM’s General Council.
“This decision heralds a watershed moment for the PNM and for Trinidad and Tobago, as it comes after deliberate and careful consideration it acknowledges MP Beckles’ experience, leadership, and commitment to the nation’s development and it presents to the nation the PNM’s first female Leader of the Opposition,” Cummings stated.
He said the letter of endorsement was formally transmitted to the Office of the President.
The release stated, “This move reinforces the PNM’s continued dedication to the democratic process and the role of the Opposition in holding the Government accountable while providing alternative, effective solutions for the people of Trinidad and Tobago. The PNM remains committed to the best practices of democracy, good governance, accountability and transparency.”
