Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley has dismissed the attempt by Port-of-Spain Mayor Louis Lee Sing to create a division among the ranks of the People's National Movement (PNM). "He is only one man. The PNM has thousands of members. I do not have time with one man," Rowley said, as he dismissed the notion that Lee Sing was seeking to overthrow him from office.
Government Members of Parliament (MPs) had their share of fun during the marathon sitting of the no-confidence debate in the House of Representatives as they took several jabs at the PNM for a letter penned by Lee Sing, condemning decisions taken by both the party's chairman Franklin Khan and Rowley. Lee Sing had claimed that at a recent general council meeting, members were debarred from commenting on a "fundamental issue."
But the minutes of the meeting, dated January 21, say otherwise. In fact, a copy of the minutes that has been obtained by Guardian showed that Lee Sing was allowed to speak on four occasions during the meeting on various matters. Lee Sing had also questioned Rowley's decision to file the no-confidence motion.
In his closing contribution to the debate on Saturday, Rowley defended his decision, insisting that he was not moved or daunted by the recent comments. Dismissing the cross talk that his job was "up for grabs," Rowley said: "You do not know anything about the PNM, just stay out of PNM business! "I have 11 members on this side, one MP is ill...I wish him a speedy recovery and I am sure very soon he would be speaking loud and clear," he said.
"I consulted with all 11 members; every single one I spoke to, so I do not know what they are concerned about? Look after yourselves." Also coming out in strong defence of Rowley in her contribution was Opposition chief whip Marlene McDonald, who said all members of the party were in support of "their leader."
She said: "We have one leader! Dr Rowley is the leader. We are a 55-year-old party; we have created the foundation for T&T. "Get the perception out of your minds, because Dr Rowley is not going anywhere," she added.