Beckles Promises Change and Unity in Tobago
Penelope Beckles, the PNM leader-elect, held a meeting in Tobago promising change and unity. Acknowledging the pain of PNM members, she pledged to lead with a listening approach. Beckles emphasized the need for a fresh strategy, accountability from party officers, and a stronger connection between Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership. She urged members to recognize past mistakes and unite as they move forward, highlighting the resilience of the PNM.
Political leader-elect of the People’s National Movement (PNM), Penelope Beckles, addressed supporters in Tobago during a One PNM meeting held on Tuesday night. She acknowledged the pain felt by members and promised to adopt a new leadership style if elected. Beckles emphasized the hardships confronting Trinidadians, particularly those in Tobago, stating, “In Trinidad plenty hurting, and there’s more hurting in Tobago. I mean, some Trinidadians mightn’t be too happy to hear me say that… that ain’t easy.”
Beckles promotes a leadership approach grounded in listening rather than aggression. She responded to critics who claim she lacks assertiveness, saying, “You know, you hear some saying, I ain’t loud enough, I ain’t aggressive enough… the most powerful method of communication is silence.” This perspective aims to foster a more inclusive dialogue within the party.
In her remarks, Beckles highlighted the importance of a fresh approach to rebuilding the party, indicating that she is open to questions and feedback from her supporters. “I am going to be doing things differently, and it would not be business as usual,” she stated, encouraging a collaborative atmosphere amongst her constituents.
Further outlining her vision, Beckles made it clear that newly elected party officers will need to present a strategic plan soon after taking office. “When the officers come in the first three months, they have to present their plan for the next two years, and they heard it from me loud and clear,” she asserted, signaling a mandate for accountability and forward direction.
Her commitment to strengthening relationships between the party leadership in Trinidad and Tobago was also a key point of her address. Beckles insisted on more frequent meetings in Tobago, stressing, “under my watch, it will be yes, and the general council needs to come to Tobago more often. So it can’t be that everything is in that way, and we not coming up here.”
Beckles also encouraged her supporters to unite and reflect on past mistakes of the party. “If you don’t accept that you made mistakes, then you cannot recover,” she pointed out, urging for a concerted effort towards unity.
Reminding her audience of the party’s resilience, Beckles declared, “If you chop it, it will grow back, and if you burn it, it will grow back. That is the resilience of the People’s National Movement.” Her words were intended to inspire and unite the party as they move forward into the election cycle.
In summary, Penelope Beckles is positioning herself as an empathetic and listening leader for the PNM, promising change and a shift away from past practices. With a focus on unity, communication, and accountability, Beckles is making clear her intentions to address the needs of Tobago while fostering a strong connection between the party leadership in Trinidad and Tobago. Her call for reflection on past mistakes indicates a readiness to lead the party into a new era, one that recognizes challenges but also underscores resilience.
Original Source: www.guardian.co.tt
