The new Opposition Leader says the PNM in the Parliament will support good law and is open to collabotaring with the Government on issues such as crime.
However, the Opposition Leader warned that the PNM will not support what it determines to be unsuitable legislation.
00:00As true patriots, the People's National Movement always seeks the best interests of Trinidad and Tobago,
00:08and it is therefore my earnest hope for impactful and responsible leadership from the government chosen by the citizens in the general election of 2025.
00:18The new leader of the opposition, Penelope Beckles-Robinson, as she delivered remarks during the ceremonial opening of the 13th Parliament.
00:25We pledge to put the people above politics, country above party.
00:31The opposition of Trinidad and Tobago will be a voice of reason, portraying professionalism, respect, understanding, strength and clarity.
00:40The opposition leader extended congratulations to the new Speaker of the House, Jack Dale Singh,
00:45as well as to Prime Minister Kamala Fasad-Bissessa for her party's victory in the general election.
00:49In acknowledging the PNM's defeat, opposition leader Beckles-Robinson also spoke about her party's new chapter,
00:56as she made an apparent reference to its upcoming internal elections.
01:00The people have chosen the People's National Movement as the opposition party of the 13th Republican Parliament.
01:07Vox Populi, Vox Dei. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
01:12To the people, and through the people, Mr. Speaker, we thank you for your support,
01:17and even as we accept our duty at this time, and as we hold the government to account,
01:24be assured that we have begun the preparation will allow the People's National Movement
01:29to form the next government of Trinidad.
01:31The opposition leader called on the House of Representatives to be united in its commitment
01:38to the democratic process, as she expects the debates in the new term of the Parliament
01:43to be vigorous and passionate.
01:45But let us not forget that our first responsibility is to our constituents and to our country.
01:51We may disagree, but may we never become disagreeable.
01:56Let us hold ourselves to a high standard, with a shared commitment to advance the principles
02:02enshrined in our Constitution and to serve the public interests.
02:07The opposition leader emphasized her plan for the PNM in the new term of the Parliament.
02:13Our modus operandi will not be to oppose for opposing's sake.
02:17We will offer thoughtful, constructive, people-centered and visionary contributions,
02:21as one would expect of a 70-year-old party that intends to form the next government.
02:28Our policies...
02:32Opposition leader Beckels Robinson also reflected the sentiments of the need for collaboration
02:37expressed by President Christine Kangaloo to the elected and non-elected members of Parliament.
02:42Mr. Speaker, the government can be assured of our support for good law and sound policy.
02:48At this time in the history of our nation, a level of collaboration may be required
02:53to effectively address certain complex issues, such as crime.
02:57However, the opposition leader had a message for the government.
03:01Crime and other issues of critical import cannot be solved by games of political football in this chamber.
03:07Neither can the superficial proposition of undemocratic measures be the solution.
03:13The people's national movement cautions that we will not sit by
03:17and allow the wholesale adoption of unsuitable legislation into our country.
03:23We demand due diligence and reject cut-and-paste approaches which have not been properly vetted.
03:29The opposition leader said the PNM anticipates the government's discussion on Tobago's autonomy.
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