Political commentators say Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles must explain her role in the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) decline, after admitting the party has “lost its way” just days before its internal elections on June 22.
Beckles’ remarks have been part of her recurring post-election narrative. But political analyst Dr Shane Mohammed yesterday said the statement, without specifics, does little to inspire confidence.
“We’ve known for some time the PNM lost its way. But now that she’s said it, what did she do about it? At what point between 2015 and 2025 did she and others recognise this? And who are the others?” he asked.
He pointed to the link between the PNM’s internal structure and its governance, saying Beckles cannot distance herself from the former administration’s failings.
“You don’t get to take a hands-off approach. If you stayed quiet to survive the party’s authority, then say so. That’s part of honest political leadership too.”
Mohammed said Beckles’ current stance appears to defend not herself, but members of her “One PNM” slate—some of whom held key Cabinet portfolios.
“Take a look at the team. Some of them were controversial figures from the last government. When she says the party lost its way, is she including them? Or is she excusing them?”
He said Beckles’ reluctance to speak plainly could damage her credibility.
“Why speak in parables? The party is in crisis. Call names, say what went wrong, and who did what. If you’re rebuilding, you can’t protect everyone.”
He also warned that the Government’s more grounded and people-centred approach may leave the PNM further behind if it fails to reset properly.
“She (Beckles) has five years. Start over if you must. But if you’re still defending dead weight, you’re not serious about rebuilding.”
Meanwhile, political scientist Dr Bishnu Ragoonath said Beckles is using the internal race to unify a divided party.
“She clearly sees division in the PNM. That’s why she’s pushing the One PNM message,” he said.
“And she knows there are internal forces working against her slate.”
He described the remarks as part of standard internal election campaigning.
“These things happen before party votes. We saw it with the UNC. People say damaging things, but then they move on.”
With no general election imminent, Ragoonath said the party has time to repair internal wounds.
“We’re far from any national poll. They have space to recover from anything said now.”
Both political observers are convinced Beckles must eventually abandon her guarded tone.
“If she wants to lead—really lead—she has to stop being passive-aggressive,” Mohammed said.
“You survived the election. You’re unopposed. Say what happened. Take control. And stop carrying the weight of others who helped bring the party down.”