Balisier BacchanalPNM s

2026-03-20 - 05:13

The leadership of the People’s National Movement (PNM) is facing mounting criticism over what some now see as a rift and are describing as a troubling lack of respect for former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley and an apparent failure to show humility toward long-standing party stalwarts. The party, once known for keeping its internal divisions firmly behind closed doors, was thrust into public controversy this week, after Rowley claimed he was not invited to its 70th anniversary celebrations on January 26. The party responded hours later on social media, saying an invite was, in fact, hand-delivered to Rowley’s home in Goodwood Park, Diego Martin. The PNM also attached a copy of the invite to drive home its point. Since then, however, former PNM minister Renuka Sagramsingh-Sooklal has criticised the party for responding publicly to Rowley and inflating the issue. Then yesterday, Trincity/Maloney MP Camille Robinson-Regis also came to Rowley’s defence, saying the former PM is “not known to be careless with the truth” and his word “cannot be dismissed.” Robinson-Regis added that this issue is bigger than just an invitation. “It is about respect, truth and how we treat those who built this party. It is therefore deeply concerning that any ambiguity should arise regarding his (Rowley) inclusion in an event of such historic importance.” And while Rowley is challenging the party’s executive to show proof that he did receive the invite, general secretary Foster Cummings yesterday admitted to Guardian Media that he could not confirm if the former PM received it. Cummings said, “The correspondence did leave Balisier House and was delivered to Dr Rowley’s residence. I don’t know what may have happened in terms of receipt of it. I can’t speak to that.” He added that the process is now being re-evaluated. “What we will do on our end is to make sure and continue to improve our operations to make sure that things like this do not happen.” But Cummings said there was no intention to disrespect or leave out Rowley from the event. In fact, during the celebrations on January 26, Cummings, while on stage, said, “We say thank you to the man from Mason Hall, Keith Christopher Rowley, wherever you are today, we love you in the PNM.” Cummings, however, maintains there is no rift in the party and that the PNM is focused on the people’s business. Asked if the party would consider apologising to Rowley if, in fact, the letter reached its former leader, Cummings said political leader Pennelope Beckles will handle any communication with her predecessor. But former PNM general secretary Ashton Ford yesterday said he was disappointed with how things were handled and believes the new PNM executive could learn some lessons in humility and respect. “The only way to recover is that the leadership change their approach. And the leadership is specifically the current political leader and general secretary. They must change their approach in the way they treat their party members, especially those of us who have served. And they cannot be ignoring and say, well they’re in charge now and they can do whatever they want.” Recalling an incident when Rowley just took over from Patrick Manning, Ford said he was instructed to ensure Manning was afforded all courtesies and respect. “We had planned a meeting in San Fernando, and Dr Rowley said find out from Mr Manning where we should have the meeting. And Mr Manning’s response was, if he wanted in the ocean, we will prepare it for him. He’s welcome. And then we went down there, and there was a famous picture with Manning meeting Rowley and I in the middle. So, the point is, if an invitation was extended, a follow-up call would have sufficed.” Ford said the leadership must be humble, particularly in opposition. “And, therefore, you would need the support of every party member. But if you isolate someone and so on, you’re just dividing the party.” He said many in the party owe their position and titles to Rowley. And he warned the PNM that Rowley will not take disrespect quietly. “They have no respect. No respect. And you know Dr Rowley is a combative man. He will not stay silent. And he will respond.” Meanwhile, former vice chairman Robert Le Hunte told Guardian Media he genuinely believes there was no malice from either Rowley or the PNM over the situation and it may have been a genuine oversight. Still, he said he was disappointed the matter was not handled privately. “I think a short communication directly to Dr Rowley explaining what was done, apologising for him not receiving it and just probably trying to ascertain what time it was delivered, who delivered it, et cetera, would have been probably better than public discourse.” Political analyst Dr Winford James yesterday suggested that while the party has bigger issues to tackle, this may have exposed a resentment the current leadership has for Rowley. “Rowley probably might be inviting that sort of scrutiny because he remains in the highlight, and he appears to be moving against Penny Beckles. He’s challenging, secretly or quietly, Penny Beckles for the leadership of the PNM because they’re thinking he should allow Penny to be saying many of the things that he comes out saying.” Efforts to contact Beckles were unsuccessful, as she did not answer calls or WhatsApp messages.