A number of PNM party groups will be sailing across to Tobago for the ruling party’s annual convention on Sunday, being held in the sister isle for the first time.
Some 10 longstanding PNMites—including former MPs and top party officials—will be honoured at the event. PNM general secretary Foster Cummings confirmed developments yesterday.
The convention will be held at Shaw Park Cultural Complex in Tobago from 10 am. At the last convention at Queens’ Park Savannah, the leadership had promised the next convention—this year’s—would have been held in Tobago.
PNM officials, including at Balisier House, said a vessel has been booked to transport party group members to Tobago for the convention. The sailing leaves Trinidad at 5 am and after the convention ends, it leaves Tobago at 7 pm to return to Trinidad. They said that sailing has been fully booked.
Cummings said other PNMites will be travelling to Tobago from as early as Thursday—via plane and boat—to attend.
One of the highlights of Sunday’s convention programme will be the honouring of 10 longstanding PNMites from Trinidad and Tobago.
They are former Tobago House of Assembly chief secretary Orville London (now High Commissioner to the UK), PNM deputy leader Joan Yuille—Williams, longstanding one-time PNM deputy, executive official and government minister Dr Lenny Saith (now retired), former Arouca South MP Jarrette Narine, former executive member/minister Marilyn Gordon, former general secretary Deodath Ojah-Maharaj, Port-of-Spain South chairman Jean Elder and retired Tobago PNM officials/Assemblymen, William McKenzie, Cynthia Alfred, Lyle Thorne.
Among other highlights will be the introduction of the new PNM executive which was elected in September to Tobago PNM. PNM leader Prime Minister Keith Rowley’s address is expected to conclude the convention on Sunday evening
Cummings added, “This is the first time a national PNM convention is being held in Tobago so it’s a significant occasion, showing Government’s priority. This is also another step to ensure we maintain a presence at national and Tobago House of Assembly elections and it’s a strengthening of the party efforts.”
PNM members will spearhead planning of the event while Tobago Council members will also be involved.