GROWING PNM BACKLASH AGAINST YOUNG

GROWING backlash against Stuart Young is what prompted the cancellation of the November 17 People’s National Movement (PNM) convention and election.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley last Friday scrapped the event after it became clear that key nominees for party posts would not support Young as the next political leader.

CounterPunchTT previously reported exclusively on growing PNM fury in an expose headlined “Outrage Against Young.”

Certain officials in the secretariat of the ruling party were carefully promoting nominees who are dead-set against Young leading the 68-year-old organisation.

The post of political leader is not up for grabs at that convention, but elected party officials would hold significant sway when the top post becomes vacant.

Influential party groups are contending that Young would lead the PNM away from its core as an urban working class party and into the clutches of the so-called upper-class “one percent.”

While there is no clear alternative, some groups are favouring Dr. Amery Browne, Member of Parliament for Diego Martin Central and Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs.

Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, Member of Parliament for Arima and Minister of Planning and Development, still has leadership aspirations but enjoys only a sprinkling of party support.

Key PNM activists in Arima are not backing their representative.

Party General Secretary Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service, is a critical change agent in the party process.

Rowley, who turns 75 next week, teased last week that he is coming toward the end of his political career, stating: “I do not know how much longer I have in this Parliament.”

But that cheeky remark has no bearing on the current party turmoil.

Rowley has provided single-minded support for Young, whom he yanked from an attorney’s back office and made his primary government minister, and promoted as PNM Chairman and as Acting Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister has termed Young his Gary Sobers, the most versatile cricketer in the history of cricket.

Browne, known for his diplomatic skills, has not openly positioned himself as a candidate for PNM leadership.

He is one of only a few loyalists of previous leader Patrick Manning who made it to Rowley’s inner team.

Party sources fear if the leadership impasse worsens, it could lead to historic open confrontation on the floor when the convention eventually convenes.

It is now expected that the event would be summoned after Carnival, which is being celebrated on March 3 and 4.

“It could all become a numbers game,” a party insider said, referring to delegates backing various candidates.

PNM sources also dismissed continued speculation of a general election before the end of 2024.

Specific party and government events are scheduled ahead of the country going to the polls.

They include the Tobago Island Government Bill, who will give greater autonomy to the sister isle and which Rowley hopes will reprise the PNM’s electoral chances.

The Government is expected to use the debate to tout its commitment to Tobago.

Sources said Rowley was referring to that legislation when he appealed in the House of Representatives for legislative support from opposition “dissidents.”

Along with the calendar of events, Rowley now has to diffuse the mounting ire over Young, his handpicked successor.