Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles receives her instrument of appointment. In promising a better way of life for citizens, she says opposition does not mean obstruction.
00:00She began her inaugural speech extending congratulations to her political opponent.
00:06Madam Prime Minister, your leadership is historic and today it carries even deeper meaning for me personally
00:13as I stand here not only as leader of the opposition but also as a former student once seated in your classroom.
00:22Your journey from educator to Prime Minister serves as a profound reminder that our nation remains a land of possibilities.
00:31Opposition leader Penelope Beckel shares the humbleness of her own beginnings.
00:36My journey from Bodnar Village in South Trinidad and Tobago without electricity and running water
00:43to become the first female opposition leader of the People's National Movement.
00:52It's a story that I hope inspires every young person and especially the young woman.
01:02A testament to her that through good leadership and policies the trajectory of one's life can change in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:13I serve for you the parent who dreams of a better life for their children.
01:17I serve for you the entrepreneur in need of support to thrive.
01:23I serve for you the young person who desires to further your education.
01:29I serve for you the recent graduate seeking decent work.
01:35And her journey was not one without its share of tribulation.
01:39This daughter of the soil knows what it is to be silenced, silenced and sometimes rejected.
01:46Through every challenge, I have stayed the course with resilience, only possible through God's grace.
01:56For leaders on either side of the proverbial coin must have people at heart.
02:02Let me be clear.
02:04It is not my conviction that opposition means obstruction.
02:10True leadership is not necessarily loud, aggressive or denigrating.
02:15It is steady, thoughtful and courageous.
02:19Our democracy flourishes not through divisiveness, but through robust debate, shared purpose and mutual respect.
02:29The opposition, though small in number, will be gatekeepers.
02:32Some may mistake quiet strength for weakness, but I offer you firm resolve, guided by compassion and wisdom and underpinned by my experience and boundless faith in our destiny.
02:47We must model for the youth of this nation, our future leaders, a new way where collaboration is valued over confrontation.
02:58Prosperity, she promises, will come to every home, every community and every village.
03:06We will hold the government accountable, yes, but always with your best interests at heart.
03:14We will be vigilant, accessible and responsive as we provide constructive scrutiny, advocate for policies that reflect your aspirations and stand firm against injustice, inequality, malice, nepotism and corruption.
03:33Her role is clear.
03:34The role of opposition, even as we demand accountability from the government, is not to sow discord or tears at the fabric of our society in a narrow quest for power.
03:47I dare say that under my leadership, the People's National Movement Bench will adopt a standard higher than was previously existed.
03:56We will not only hold the government to account, we will also support forward-thinking, future-focused, visionary legislation and policies that uplift our people and the position of Trinidad and Tobago for long-term success.
04:12And the PNM, the opposition leader, assures we'll be ready for the next swing of the political pendulum.
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