TWENTY PNM MPs now support appointing the party's chairman Stuart Young to replace Dr Keith Rowley when he steps down as prime minister.
The change was announced at the conclusion of the party's general council meeting at Balisier House, in Port of Spain on January 11.
Rowley had previously prioritised resolving the succession issue at a retreat in Tobago, where Young secured a narrow victory over colleague Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, winning 11-nine in a straw poll among PNM MPs to choose a new prime minister under the Constitution.
PNM MP and Minister in the Education Ministry Lisa Morris-Julian died in a fire at her home on December 16.
Two days after the PNM's central executive meeting, the general council convened at Balisier House.
>
At a post-general council press briefing, Young, accompanied by PNM general secretary Foster Cummings, emphasised the party's unity and reaffirmed that all was well within it.
During the January 11 press briefing, Cummings said the general council meeting was a regular monthly gathering. He said the PNM was a disciplined, experienced party, and the meeting proceeded in an orderly manner, and while several concerns were raised during the meeting, no formal motions were put forward.
“The PNM continues to be a strong and united party, fully committed to representing the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” Cummings said. He also confirmed that all 21 members, who included Rowley and Young, had signed on to support Young’s appointment as prime minister when Rowley retires.
Young, who is poised to become the next prime minister, expressed gratitude for Rowley’s leadership and reiterated the theme of unity.
“What we’re seeing here tonight at Balisier House reflects the unity and strength of the PNM,” he said.
"Cummings and I are committed to rolling out 'Team PNM,' a unified and empowered party ready to offer much to the people of TT."
Young conveyed optimism about the future, saying the changes ahead would surprise the public in positive ways. “We will see unity and history in the making,” he said.
He concluded by expressing his gratitude for the support of the national council and Cummings, with whom he had worked closely in recent days.
>
“This is about Team PNM,” he said. "To the population, I thank all 21 of my colleagues – well, 20 of them."
In response to media questions, Young said he does not know the exact date when Rowley will resign, emphasising only the Prime Minister is aware of that timeline. He also addressed rumours surrounding a document purported to be in contention with nine MPs supporting Minister Beckles-Robinson, saying it was not a letter but a “signature of confirmation.”
Asked how he managed to gain the support of Beckles-Robinson and her eight supporters, Young said it was not a matter of convincing anyone.
Cummings said, “I don’t think it’s relevant. We had discussions, and we always knew, as I believe, that we would reach this point. It was never about convincing anyone. This is where we, as the PNM, expected to end up.”
Cummings said, “At the end of the day, we are all members of the PNM, and it’s about what’s best for the party. We’re pleased that we’ve reached this point, which allows us to move forward. All matters that were raised before have been settled.”
Asked whether concerns about the party’s leadership were addressed during the meeting, Cummings acknowledged that some party members raised issues but reiterated that no formal motions were put forward. He also reminded the media that discussions held at the meeting were private.
Pressed again on the topic of leadership, Cummings said, “There is no vacancy for a leader at this time. When the issue comes before us, we will address it. Rowley remains the political leader of the PNM and has indicated that he will resign as prime minister.”
Young added it is not unusual for such discussions to arise in a general council meeting and that the party has handled similar matters in the past.
On Beckles-Robinson, Young confirmed that she was “fully engaged” in the meeting and participated in the discussions with him and Cummings.
>
Although Beckles-Robinson supporters gathered outside the meeting, some expressed concern about being excluded from the democratic process, feeling the approach was top-down. They also called for a special convention, questioning the sustainability of going into the general election without knowing the identity of the new political leader.
Cummings responded: “At the end of the day, the matter of who will succeed as prime minister has been settled. As I mentioned earlier, when the issue of political leadership comes before us, we will address it. For now, we are united behind Mr Young and will continue to support him as he steps into this important role and continues to serve TT.”
The party's labour officer Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, one of the main opponents of the decision that MPs should appoint a prime minister, briefly addressed the media after a meeting, describing it as very productive.
“I expressed my concerns regarding the process and the general council. The political leader and I spoke frankly and openly about our issues.”
“At the end of the day, we agreed the prime minister and political leader will take the necessary actions, and we are all aligned in our support. A consensus was reached within the general council.”
Baptiste-Primus clarified that no vote was taken but reaffirmed, “We fully support Stuart Young as prime minister and are committed to working together to ensure good governance for TT.”
On the political leadership, she said the political leader is currently addressing that issue.
