We are willing to laud Dr Rowley for standing up to Mr Manning's dictatorial behaviour. We are not willing to pay the same respect to Penny. She is the only other person in the PNM as far as I know who sought to keep her dignity when so many others were bowing down to Manning and worshipping him. In her own quiet way she demonstrates an integrity that is important for the new PNM. Dr Rowley should not use his influence, directly or indirectly, to deny Penny this important position. Were he to do so it would suggest to the larger community that the PNM is still entrenched in its old ways in which the leader uses his influence to deny party members the right to select people who are best equipped to take the PNM in a new direction. Penny represents a fresh, new female presence in the party that we need as this time. She is not always forceful enough and is not as clear as to where she wishes to take the party. She must stop deferring to Dr Rowley and stake out a position that is in the best interest of the party. The party must not repeat the one-manism that led inevitable to the death of democracy within the party and its discouraging members to differ with their leaders. Penny must lead this fight within the new PNM.
Selecting Penny as the chairman of the PNM will make a huge difference in its future fortunes. It will give new meaning to woman power and equity within the party. Her quiet, forceful presence will ensure the party's renewal and propel it into the future. PNM members must have the courage to elect her as their new chairman.