By Sue-Ann Wayow

THIS weekend, the People’s National Movement (PNM) is celebrating its platinum anniversary – 70 years as a party.

Political leader Pennelope Beckles in a Facebook message on Saturday, recalled a brief history of the party that produced Trinidad and Tobago’s first prime minister Dr Eric Williams.

She said, “Today we honour the legacy of a movement that shaped a nation. I am pleased and honoured to lead a movement built on strong, principled and impactful leadership from the four leaders who went before me.”

Beckles reminded the population that 70 years ago on January 24, 1956, the People’s Charter was publicly adopted, laying a bold and visionary framework for self-government, political education, economic development, housing, education, social services, social equality, and national unity beyond race and class.

She said, “From that historic moment, the PNM emerged as Trinidad and Tobago’s first major political party with a continuous organisation and a clear national programme, committed to building a stronger, fairer, and more united nation.”

Beckles remembered Dr Williams the PNM’s first political leader, “charting the road forward for the movement with vision, intellect, and precision and leading our nation into independence.”

She also remembered George Chambers who was officially elected political leader on May 9, 1981, after he assumed office as prime minister on March 30, 1981.

Patrick Manning followed in leadership  in January 1987, after serving as Leader of the Opposition from December 19, 1986, and would go on to shape a defining era of leadership and national development, Beckles said.

And she also hailed out her predecessor Dr Keith Rowley who became Leader of the Opposition in May 2010 following the party’s defeat in the general election and was officially confirmed as political leader on June 16, 2010.

Beckles said, “He served as political leader until April 30, 2025, leading the party and country with strength and resolve.”

She said, “On the eve of this historic anniversary of our beloved party, I had the honour of becoming the People’s National Movement’s fifth political leader on June 22, 2025, and the first woman to do so.

“I also became the third political leader elected following an election defeat, a responsibility I accept with humility, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to the Movement.”

Beckles pledged, “I remain fully committed to the People’s National Movement and ready to chart a strong, united, and purposeful way forward for our beloved Movement. 70 years strong. Still serving. Still building.”

On Monday, grand celebrations are planned to be held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain from 6 pm.

Beckles is carded to  deliver the feature address.