PNM Party School gets going in 2004

THE PNM is moving full steam ahead in the reintroduction of its party school, and as early as next month, there are to be 12 successive weekend training sessions for members on various aspects of politics. Confirmation of this was given yesterday by Chairman of the party, Franklyn Khan, at its post General Council meeting at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain. Khan said the “re-institution of the party school” was one of several significant reports tabled at the meeting. He said the party’s Education Officer, Overand Padmore, tabled the party school report, pointing out that it was time the “political education came back to the fore of the PNM.”

Khan said the Committee had proposed a 12-day programme to be held on weekends, commencing in the New Year in Port-of-Spain and San Fernando, to train members in political education. Among the areas in which training would be offered are “the independence movement, Chaguaramas Treaty, Federation, PNM legal commitments, the history and development of the PNM, leadership of the party, PNM’s policy direction enunciated by successive political leaders and the PNM structure and organisation. There will also be training in the role of representatives at various levels as well as education on campaigning, pubic speaking and the manifesto. Khan said a major module will be “How to organise and sustain a constituency at the political level.” Khan also announced that several resolutions were passed including one in which congratulations were extended to Labour Minister Larry Achong and his Ministry for the way in which they dealt with the “sensitive issues” of the CWU/TSTT negotiations.

Additionally, similar sentiments were extended to all MPs, both Government and Opposition for their support and subsequent passage of the Occupational Health and Safety Bill. Khan said Prime Minister Patrick Manning “briefly updated” the meeting on his recent trips abroad, and that a full report would be tabled at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting. However Manning who leaves this morning for Washington, will return on Friday. The PNM also observed a minute’s silence to remember the passing of former PNM Senator and Chairman of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation, Jaigobin Nanga.