Anna-Lisa Paul
Attitude and ability.
This was the rationale Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said he used to select Team Red & Rowley as they prepare for the final showdown—the internal elections—on September 30.
Referring to it as the "Double A's" when he addressed a gathering of Cabinet ministers and long-standing party supporters at the Arima Town Hall yesterday, Rowley testified as to the readiness of the candidates whom he claimed represented a good mix of politics and humanity.
Providing a brief insight into the internal workings of the People's National Movement (PNM) and the processes and procedures governing it, Rowley said the PNM had managed to maintain a certain level of transparency and accountability throughout its history.
Vowing to ensure this continue, Rowley will retain the title of Political Leader of the PNM as he remains unopposed.
Also retaining the title as PNM's Lady Vice Chair is Planning and Development Minister, Camille Robinson-Regis.
Current Chairman Franklin Khan has not offered himself for re-election, opting to shift that responsibility to the shoulders of Finance Minister Colm Imbert who was given the nod from Rowley.
Relating sobering and playful anecdotes about each of the candidates on his slate, Rowley proudly acknowledged the hard work, commitment, and dedication of each person who was intent on continuing to serve the PNM.
Claiming there were people who were not fit to be elected to the party executive as demonstrated through their actions in the last couple years, Rowley expressed confidence that voters would do the right thing when they go to the polls.
During his hour-long address which was similar to that of a general election campaign kick-off, Rowley thanked foundation member Overand Padmore for agreeing to contest the post of Education Officer, as he was a fount of knowledge for the younger members.
To the candidates, he said, "Teamwork is important."
Revealing some of the challenges the PNM had faced in the past in order to achieve independence and generate revenue, Rowley said likewise, the party continued to be unafraid of making tough decisions in order to provide for the population.
He said this was the case with Petrotrin.
Strongly denying the PNM was practising racial politics as they were being accused of, Rowley said nothing was further from the truth as the Government was concerned about each and every citizen.
Rowley pointed a finger at the unions as he said they had no plan for the future, yet continued to mislead members as to how dire the situation is.
Appealing for a chance to take T&T forward again, Rowley said his government continued to make a difference through a number of initiatives as he ended, "We are out and proud."
Team Red & Rowley
Political Leader—Dr Keith Rowley
Chairman—Colm Imbert
Vice-chairman—Robert Le Hunte
Lady Vice-chairman—Camille Robinson-Regis
General Secretary—Foster Cummings
Assistant General Secretary—Daniel Dookie
Treasurer—Howard Chin Lee
Education Officer—Overand Padmore
Public Relations Officer—Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing
Social Media Officer—Avinash Singh
Labour Relations Officer—Jennifer Baptiste-Primus
Elections Officer—Indar Parasram
Field Officer—Abdon Mason
Welfare Officer—Jocelyn Bodden
Youth Officer—Ndale Young
Operations Officer—Irene Hinds