PNM celebrates 48th birthday today

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning will address a mass rally at the Lions Civic Centre today at 10 am to celebrate the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) 48th anniversary

The party was founded 48 years ago by Dr Eric Williams and today’s celebrations mark a significant milestone in the party’s history making the PNM “one of the longest serving political parties in the Caribbean,” the party said in a statement. Among the PNM’s other milestones are creation of the People’s Charter in 1954, winning TT’s first general elections in 1956 under Williams’ leadership, TT gaining independence in 1962, TT gaining Republican status in 1976 and victories in the 1991 and 2002 general elections under Manning’s leadership.

The PNM said since its inception it has always been committed to the principles of integrity in public life, the provision of public service, optimum utilisation of TT’s natural and human resources for the national benefit and economic development through business, industrial and energy-based policies. “This country’s development today stems from the PNM’s early vision of creating an educated society, which has now led to preparing for developed nation status through Vision 2020.

The PNM has always put people first and remains true to upholding the words of our anthem — here every creed and race shall find an equal place.” At today’s rally, the PNM will welcome 11,000 new members into its fold. Following its victory in the July 14, 2003 Local Government Election, the Prime Minister said a large number of new PNM members came from Central Trinidad and other areas which did not traditionally favour the PNM.

In those elections, the PNM made several inroads into traditional United National Congress (UNC) strongholds and now holds at least one seat in each of TT’s 14 Local Government bodies. PNM vice-chairman John Donaldson said the party will also celebrate its 48th anniversary in Tobago at a date to be announced.