Caption: Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley 

Summary

• Rowley’s Claim: Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley claimed he was not invited to the PNM’s 70th-anniversary celebrations despite leading the party for 15 years.
• PNM’s Rebuttal: The People’s National Movement (PNM) officially disputed his statement, confirming that a formal invitation was hand-delivered to his residence on January 22.
• The Evidence: To back up its claim, the PNM released a copy of the invitation letter signed by General Secretary Foster Cummings, which addressed both Dr Rowley and his wife.

By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE People’s National Movement (PNM) is disputing a claim made by its former political leader, Dr Keith Rowley, that he was not invited to its grand 70th-anniversary celebrations earlier this year.

Dr. Rowley took to his social media pages on Tuesday to vent his disappointment with the party he led for 15 years—since 2010 as opposition leader and then from 2015 to 2025 as prime minister—before resigning from his political leadership post on May 1, 2025, following the April 28 general election defeat. He said also said he wasn’t invited when he held a press conference earlier at his home.

He said, “PNM celebrated 70 years, last whenever, I don’t know whichever date it was, my colleagues didn’t invite me… I ran the PNM for 15 years, five years in opposition, 10 years in government, won two general elections and the PNM is celebrating 70 years as a political party in this country and I have to hear about it, but I will deal with that a little later on.”

However, in a statement issued shortly after, the PNM stated, “As is customary for special guests, a letter of invitation was issued through the Office of the General Secretary to former Political Leader, Dr. Keith Rowley.”

The letter, dated January 21, was hand-delivered to Dr Rowley’s residence on January 22. The event was held on January 26 at the Winifred Atwell Auditorium, Queen’s Hall.

The PNM stated, “This momentous event was attended by hundreds of members, including current and former executive officers of the party, Members of Parliament, and local government officials.

“The Leadership of the PNM takes this opportunity to thank all who attended, and while we noted Dr. Rowley’s absence as our loss, we look forward to his presence at one of the events planned in celebration of this, the PNM’s platinum jubilee.”

A copy of the delivered letter accompanied the media statement.

Signed by PNM’s General Secretary, Foster Cummings, the letter invited both Dr Rowley and his wife, Sharon Clarke-Rowley, to the event.

It stated, “Your presence at this milestone would be most meaningful, as we pause to reflect on and honour our history, celebrate our successes, and chart the path forward with unity, strength, and vision.”

The letter addressed Dr Rowley as both former prime minister and former political leader of the PNM.