Ford looks to the future

Elaborating on his decision to Newsday, Ford said, “I have been contemplating this a little while now. I was given a chance (to serve) when I was a young man...I was 26 years old.” Ford, who celebrated his 66th birthday last Tuesday, said his decision to resign was not based on any health issues, but rather, “The party has to do succession planning. The next election (local government) is 2019, the (PNM) internal election is 2018.” Ford said Prime Minister and PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley “understands my position.” He reiterated, “It has nothing to do with the party.You know I love my work, you know I love my party.” Given his age and the years of service he has given to the PNM, he said the time was right for him to retire from politics, and people should never adopt a position that they are in any position for life., and just as he was given an opportunity to serve as a young man, now was the time for someone else to be given the same opportunity.

“You have to give the party a chance and not spring somebody new.

You have to do it from now.” PNM assistant general secretary Daniel Dookie will act as general secretary after Ford steps down on February 15 until the party holds its next convention.

Since joining the party in March 1968, Ford said, he has been privileged to serve under all four of its political leaders (Dr Eric Williams, George Chambers, Patrick Manning and Rowley). Ford said he was not taking up any government job but will remain a very active member of the PNM.

“Of course, why must I leave something that I built? My father was a foundation member, a close associate and friend of Dr Williams.” Since joining the PNM in 1968, Ford served in several capacities before becoming general secretary in 2010. These included MP for Arima (1981-1986); Mayor of Arima (1980-1981); communications specialist in the Office of the Prime Minister (1992 to 1995); communications officer in the Opposition Leader’s Office (1996- 2001); and analysis and research officer (2001-2002)