People’s National Movement political leader candidate Karen Nunez-Tesheira has urged PNMites to vote for change and new leadership in this weekend’s internal elections, in order to rebuild party and country - and make the PNM great again.
She did so via release yesterday, after her team on Wednesday lost their court case which had tried to halt this weekend’s elections due to what election irregularities they raised. The internal polls take place tomorrow (Sat) and Sunday in T&T’s 41 constituencies.
Nunez-Tesheira said members don’t deserve an election governed by fear, innuendo and division.
“Despite what they say about me, I’ve voted for this great party every election day. I love the PNM too much to see it divided and picked on,” she said.
Nunez-Tesheira said many members have expressed dissatisfaction with varying issues within PNM and country.
“Those of you I encounter daily have stated the party’s membership isn’t looking for more chaos or gimmicks but honest answers about our challenges,” she said.
She said PNMites have asked how she’ll steer “the ship to overcome the internal bickering and infighting” and how she’ll rebuild Tobago’s PNM Council after its THA defeat.
“More importantly, you’ve asked me how would I re-engineer the PNM to become great again to stay the party of choice in 2025 and quell the country’s crime, violence, and unemployment. For much as the party can and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of PNM members upon which this change relies.”
She said she intends to “...avoid duplicating the same tactics and methods of the current leader because that will lead us down the same path of polarisation, intimidation and bullying.”
“We’ll end it by staying true to our PNM values of transparency, openness and patriotism—and by trusting members will embrace the need for change. Because this internal change is our only hope for 2025, this inner change is our only hope to rebuild our party and country,” Nunez-Tesheira said.
She detailed her vision: to implement technology-driven policies and world-class programmes that work to promote economic and social justice for all.
“My vision for the party interlinks with my vision for the country, a vision that offers economic stability, sustainability, people development and fair play. We deserve better, and we can do better. That’s the reason I’m in this race.”
She said she believed in ability to marry service to members with service to T&T, in empowering single parents in the PNM and society “with more than hampers and gas tanks but equal access to financial and employment opportunities.”
“That’s the change we need, it’s time we start appreciating members, so they no longer feel manipulated and used. It’s time the party restores pride, fairness and togetherness as its watchwords,” she said.
“Let’s earn from our past mistakes; because through these mistakes, we’re better equipped to embrace and engage in change. Change is member inclusivity, implementing policies that value and appreciate members, regardless of their race, social standing or background.
“Change is investing in technology and our people rather than infrastructure, empowering members instead of beating them down. Change is working for many - not just a few. Lastly, change is having respect for our founding fathers and their vision for party and country. This type of change is the only hope for our party in 2025 and our country.”
She said she hoped members realise how critical this change is and vote for new leadership.
“We need to win back the people of Tobago and Moruga in 2025!” she said.