24/01/2026
Happy 70th Anniversary to the People’s National Movement.
Today we honour the legacy of a movement that shaped a nation.
I am pleased and honoured to lead a movement built on strong, principled, and impactful leadership from the four leaders who went before me.
Seventy years ago on January 24, 1956, the People’s Charter was publicly adopted, laying a bold and visionary framework for self government, political education, economic development, housing, education, social services, social equality, and national unity beyond race and class.
From that historic moment, the PNM emerged as Trinidad and Tobago’s first major political party with a continuous organisation and a clear national programme, committed to building a stronger, fairer, and more united nation.
Dr Eric Williams became our first Political Leader, charting the road forward for the Movement with vision, intellect, and precision, and leading our nation into independence.
Following Dr Williams, George Chambers was officially elected Political Leader of the People’s National Movement on May 9, 1981, having already assumed office as Prime Minister on March 30, 1981.
Patrick Manning became Political Leader of the People’s National Movement in January 1987, after serving as Leader of the Opposition from December 19, 1986, and would go on to shape a defining era of leadership and national development.
Dr Keith Rowley became Leader of the Opposition in May 2010 following the party’s defeat in the general election and was officially confirmed as Political Leader of the Movement on June 16, 2010. He served as Political Leader until April 30, 2025, leading the party and country with strength and resolve.
On the eve of this historic anniversary of our beloved party, I had the honour of becoming the People’s National Movement’s fifth Political Leader on June 22, 2025, and the first woman to do so.
I also became the third Political Leader elected following an election defeat, a responsibility I accept with humility, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to the Movement.
I remain fully committed to the People’s National Movement and ready to chart a strong, united, and purposeful way forward for our beloved Movement.
70 years strong. Still serving. Still building.