Joel Primus

nylcolumnguardian@yahoo.com

“Thus it is that, with solid party foundations, dramatic governmental achievements, and an undisputed leadership which has maintained close and direct contact between government and party, we have so solidified the confidence reposed in us by the mass movement that we have survived… with the enemy in disorderly rout vainly trying to reform the ranks for election purposes only.”

This statement was made by the political leader of the People’s National Movement, Dr Eric Williams, in an address entitled “Responsibilities of the party member” on September 30, 1960.

Exploration of the statement brings us to the conclusion that the statement holds true today. As a member of the PNM there are various times when one is required to activate his enthusiasm but by and large members of the party are continually active, keeping in touch with the pulse of the nation, its concerns, queries and commentary.

The PNM had its annual sports and family day at the Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua, and we were indeed pleased to see the rank and file members of the party participating in the day’s activities at all levels.

In contrast we know of the ability to mobilise at election time when every act and every move must be seen in this context. The fact the we have formed the Government stands as testimony of the commitment and effectiveness of the captains, foot soldiers, councillors, members of Parliament, etc and indeed the vision of the leader in terms of tactic as well as strategy.

At party conventions there is a magnificent demonstration of nationalist outlook of the mass party that the PNM embodies. Many can testify that an experience at a convention brings a feeling or sense of wellbeing and unity. What all and sundry can see is a rally of citizens from all walks of life, religious persuasions and ethnicity coming together for a common good.

Party conventions allow for the ratifying of decisions, amendments to party documents, passage of resolutions and issuance of mandates to the leadership.

Why is this possible? We say this is a result of the fact that at conventions, as in the party, we promote participation and involvement. This in turn gives voice to the people, and the opportunity to determine the future of the party and by extension their role in governance.

It is at conventions that manifestos are adopted, which means that any policy implemented by a PNM government represents the will and aspirations of the citizens.

Parties the world over have been disrupted by sabotage, disharmony, dishonesty and intrigue, not to mention “neemakarams.” To be committed to a party is akin to membership in any professional establishment, it requires commitment and consistency. It requires an understanding of being part of a whole and sharing a similar mission and vision.

To become a member you have to possess the requisite requirements and to stay a member you must continue to embody the ideals of the party. One must be loyal to the programmes and ideals of the PNM that is more than an issue of lip service and signing an application form.

No cosmetic collusion or fly-by-night consortium can stand to PNM’s legacy. Indeed, the PNM can boast that it is the antecedent of any and all political institutions that have held the reins of power in this country and region.

While others tout civil disobedience and allegations, we boast of a party that selects candidates with the greatest possible care and with a process and format that ensures that the people choose their representative.

Further, this mechanism ensures that the people, regardless of race, colour, class or creed, have a say and this is reflected in the fact that the PNM continually slates 36 candidates for every election and that these candidates reflect our membership (party) and our people (the people of T&T).

Moreover, each constituency has three representatives at the level of General Council ensuring that the views and plights from every corner of the country is heard.

We have heard in many instances people say that they were born a PNM and would die a PNM. To some this may seem to be a fanatical stance and deserving of the description of sycophants. We say the PNM is characterised by loyalists as compared to what has appeared on the horizon of our present political landscape.

We refer to those office-seeking, self-seeking people who offer themselves as political options, those whose sole interest is to bleed the public coffers, and those who as a progressive people our only option is to purge.

In a larger setting we must not only be aware of our political selves, but also our social and moral selves. As nationals each individual has a responsibility to promote our national community.

As a member of the PNM I feel confident that in all my undertakings we promote the development of T&T. Universal secondary school education, contrary to the belief of some, is a product of the PNM. The facilitation of the continued exploration of oil and natural gas while at the same time nurturing a vibrant manufacturing industry, the national housing programme past and present, and the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, to name a few, are all PNM products.

Much to the benefit of our continued dominance of the political landscape, our founding fathers and present leaders continue to allow for the participation of the women and youth of the nation through the Women’s and Youth Leagues’ respectively.

These two arms have representation at the level of General Council as well as at the convention. In fact, all 19 Youth League executive members have status at the General Council. As youth we have a vested interest in the development of T&T.

As members of a political party we feel honoured and privileged to be considered and to have the opportunity to understudy the practices and processes that form the mechanism through which our party is democratically governed.

We also take this opportunity to applaud the efforts of the Education Committee on reintroducing the party school and considers it as timely.

Contact NYL with comments at nylcolumnguardian@yahoo.com or Editorial Committee, National Youth League, Balisier House, #1 Tranquillity St, Port-of-Spain

Joel Primus is chairman of the PNM’s National Youth League