See PNM Election Candidates: Penny Unopposed for PNM Political Leader

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By Alicia Chamely

MEMBER of Parliament for Arima Penelope Beckles is the official political leader-elect of the People’s National Movement.

Beckles, whose nomination is unopposed, is the PNM’s first female political leader.

The PNM’s Internal Elections Nomination Day exercise took place on 2 June, with a total of 51 party members being nominated for 17 positions.

Beckles was the sole nominee for the position of Political Leader.

Speaking to media after her nomination at Balisier House, Beckles said, “It is a privilege and an honour to lead a party that was led by Dr. Eric Williams, George Chambers, Patrick Manning, Dr Keith Rowley, and Stuart Young, yes it’s an honour.”

She added, “More importantly, to be the first female.”

In a media statement sent yesterday, PNM Chairman Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly stated, “Upon completion of today’s nomination exercise, Mrs. Beckles emerged as the sole nominee for the position of Political Leader. This echoes the sentiment of the overwhelming and unanimous endorsement of Mrs. Beckles to take the PNM into its new era of dedicated and caring service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Gadsby-Dolly continued, “It is therefore a signal honour on behalf of the executive and the membership of the People’s National Movement, to extend sincerest congratulations to Mrs Penelope Beckles on her historic ascension to the leadership of the People’s National Movement.”

Current PNM executive members going back up for positions included Foster Cummings, Faris Al-Rawi, Symon De Nobriga, Amery Browne, and Marvin Gonzales.

Noticeably absent in the list of nominees was MP for St Ann’s West and former Prime Minister Stuart Young.

In a Facebook post, Young confirmed his decision to not contest a post in the PNM internal elections.

Young stated, “After considered reflection, as well as discussions with my family and loved ones, I have concluded that it is not in the best interest of the party for me to seek a post in the new executive.”

He added, “Accordingly, at this juncture I will not be seeking a post in the PNM’s internal elections.”

Young committed himself to fulfil his duties to his constituents and would continue to “fight for what is best for Trinidad and Tobago.”

PNM internal elections will take place on 29 June, where successful nominee’s will vie for their positions and Beckles will officially be presented as political leader.

PNM Internal Election Nominees are:

Political Leader: Penelope Beckles;

Chairman: Faria Hove Masaisai, Marvin Gonzales, Chinua Alleyne;

Vice Chairman: Esua Mohammed, Paula Gopee-Scoon, Amery Browne, Muhammad Yunus Ibrahim;

Lady Vice Chairman: Donna Cox, Nyan Gadsby-Dolly;

General Secretary: Roger Boynes, Foster Cummings, Tova Lin Sandy;

Assistant General Secretary: Malika Blair, Patricia Alexis;

Treasurer: Nal Ramsingh, Anthony Davis;

Education Officer: Clayton Blackman, Curtis Toussaint, Dr. Hilary Bernard, Jelani Reid;

Public Relations Officer: Christopher George, Lisette Weekes, Faris Al-Rawi;

Social Media Officer: Symon De Nobriga, Runako Williams, Dominic Romain, Krystle Horwood, Shawn Dube;

Elections Officer: Leslie Lynch, Sanjiv Boodhu, Indar Parasram, Terrence Beepath;