PNM, the most disciplined party in TT

THE EDITOR: Fortunately for Dr Roodal Moonilal, Member for Oropouche, his doctoral thesis was not based on the history of the PNM’s resilience. Had it been so, he most certainly would have failed. There are a number of things that the political leader of our party and I do not agree on and it is my right to disagree, as it is certainly his to do likewise, but the resilience of the PNM is certainly not one of them. On this one he is right on target. I am sure Dr Moonilal, the good student that he is, will after today, not continue with his diatribe on an issue that he is totally incompetent to deal with. These indisputable facts tell the true story:

1. The PNM is the oldest party in TT — born January 24 1956 and still going strong in January 2005.
2. It is the only national party in TT.
3. It is the only party with an established political headquarters — Balisier House.
4. It is the only party that has contested every election — national/local — in TT, and contested every seat in every election from September 24 1956 to the THA elections in January 2005.
5. It is the only party that continuously holds its annual convention and democratically elects its officers from party groups to the national executive, including its women’s and youth league.
6. Its symbol, the Balisier, continues to bloom for 49 plus years in good times and in bad times.
7. It is the only political party that has been in power, out of power and back in power in our history, both in Trinidad and in Tobago.
8. It is the only party, (not Coalition), that has won seats in every part of Trinidad and Tobago — Victoria, Naparima, Oropouche, the est-west corridor, St Patrick, Tobago and elsewhere.
9. It is the only party that has won all seats in the National Parliament (1971).
10. It is the only party that has seen its leader in government, out of government and back in government.
11. It is the most disciplined party in the history of TT.
12. It is the only party that has successfully survived the death of its supreme leader during an election year and went on to win an election with an increased majority.
Now Dr, what more resilience do you require to prove that the political leader’s statement was absolutely and unquestionably accurate, correct and unchallengeable? For any further info you can contact me.
I am at your service.

FERDIE FERREIRA
Foundation Member, PNM
Diego Martin