Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
Political analysts are urging the People’s National Movement (PNM) to confront its internal divisions head-on, following a public appeal by party chairman Marvin Gonzales for unity as the Opposition prepares for the upcoming local government elections.
Speaking at a party meeting in Marabella last Thursday, Gonzales called on members to put aside personal grievances, insisting that internal disputes must no longer distract from the party’s mission.
“It is our responsibility as PNM members to put aside our petty differences,” Gonzales told supporters.
“Let us hold hands together because our differences are insignificant compared to the threats that face the people of Trinidad and Tobago today.”
His comments came amid ongoing speculation that the PNM has been grappling with internal fractures following its crushing defeat in last year’s general election and the leadership transition from former political leader Dr Keith Rowley.
Speaking with Guardian Media over the weekend, political analyst Dr Shane Mohammed said Gonzales’ message reflects what the party has needed to address for some time.
“I have been saying from the onset, even pre-general election, that the PNM had to take into consideration where they stood as a party collectively,” Mohammed said.
“I am one of those who still believe that one of the contributing factors of the general election result was the fragmentation of the PNM.”
He described Gonzales’ remarks as both timely and necessary.
“I believe that at this stage, what Mr Gonzales has said is relevant. It is something that is important for an Opposition party to be honest with themselves with.”
Mohammed argued that party members should stop avoiding difficult conversations.
“They need to understand, stop speaking in codes and stop throwing words. If there is a split, there is a split. If there is disagreement, then there is disagreement.”
According to Mohammed, meaningful rebuilding requires far more than public declarations of unity.
“The bottom line, though, is if the party needs to find its footing to gain competitive advantage, because that is what we are in. We are in an environment that requires competitive advantage, introspection, conflict resolution, discussion and dialogue,” he said.
“All of those things are going to be important in order for the party to be sustainable and successful going forward.”
He suggested the party embark on structured efforts to heal internal divisions.
He added that the party has struggled to build on moments of political momentum.
“They are hitting highs and lows, and they are not sustaining the highs. And all of that is saying to me that the party remains fragmented, that they are not supporting each other when there needs to be a follow-through.”
Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Winford James questioned whether the Opposition is adequately prepared for the local government campaign, suggesting the party appears to be struggling to redefine itself outside of government.
“And they have not really begun, at least apart from saying they are on the ground, but they have not begun to politic, to go on the hustings, and to say things that might attract people to vote for them,” James said.
“People look at what is going on and know that we have four more years to go with the PNM not in power. So what is it they are offering? What is it that they can offer?”
James said while the party could still surprise observers, its internal problems remain evident.
“I think they’re in a desperate place. And the real reason that they’re out of power [is] because they don’t know what to do when they are not in power.”
Guardian Media also contacted former prime minister Rowley to determine whether he had any advice for the party at this time following Gonzales’ plea.
However, Rowley said, “I do not give advice in public.”
