Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, First Female Opposition Leader, Launches “One PNM” Vision for Party Renewal

By Staff Writer |Photo: Facebook

For the first time in its history, Trinidad and Tobago’s main opposition party, the People’s National Movement (PNM), is being led in Parliament by a woman. Arima MP and veteran politician Pennelope Beckles-Robinson was sworn in as Opposition Leader on May 6 at President’s House in St Ann’s, following the PNM’s defeat in the recent general election.

Beckles’ appointment received unanimous support from all 12 elected PNM Members of Parliament and was endorsed by the party’s General Council. A seasoned parliamentarian and former Minister of Planning, Beckles assumes the role with a strong message centered on unity, service, and reflective leadership.

On June 7, Beckles officially launched her “One PNM” slate at the Arima Angel Harps Pan Yard, ahead of the party’s internal elections scheduled for June 22. She is running unopposed for the position of political leader.

In her address, Beckles acknowledged the party’s recent struggles and called for a renewed spirit of connection and accountability. “We didn’t lose our way, we just lost touch,” she said, vowing that such disconnection will not happen under her leadership.

Calling for healing and reconciliation within the party, she emphasized that unity begins with listening, admitting mistakes, and taking responsibility. “How many of you over the past couple of years have felt unheard, unseen, sometimes even forgotten? Come on, put up your hands!” she asked the crowd.

Beckles also recognized the nation’s broader challenges—including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardships, and rising crime—under the previous PNM administration. “As a party, we must be honest enough to face the truth. We must be brave enough to say we did not always get it right,” she said. “This is not about making excuses. It’s about committing to do better.”

She acknowledged moments when the party’s policies felt distant from people’s lives and its tone disconnected. “But this is why we are here, and this is why ‘One PNM’ was born—because acknowledging the pain is the first step towards healing it.”

Looking ahead, Beckles pledged a more inclusive approach to leadership, including plans to rotate General Council meetings across different parts of the country. “The PNM was not born in boardrooms,” she reminded supporters. “It was born in the hearts of the working class, the forgotten, the dreamers, and the doers. That is the PNM.”

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