PNM convention today

COREY CONNELLY

Prime Minister and political leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Dr Keith Rowley is likely to announce significant policy decisions when the party meets, today, for its 47th Annual Convention at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

However, PNM chairman Franklin Khan could not shed any details about the prime minister’s address.

Rowley is expected to address the convention at around 3.30 pm, Khan said.

“That is his call only but what I would say is that throughout the history of the PNM, major policy decisions are always announced at party conventions, since the days of Dr (Eric) Williams and we intend to keep that tradition.” Khan said, though, a highlight of the event would be the presentation of the PNM’s Vision 2030 by Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis. Her presentation precedes Rowley’s address.

Titled, Embracing The Future with Confidence: Stronger Together, Khan said after registration at 8 am, the conference would be called to order at 10 am. He said the agenda for the morning session, reserved only for delegates and party members, includes the adoption of reports and debate on resolutions.

There are some 21 reports to be tabled for the approval of the convention and four resolutions for adoption.

Khan, who is also the energy minister, said the mood of the party’s faithful going into the convention was very upbeat given the economic challenges confronting the country.

“I think we have communicated quite effectively with the party membership that we face challenging times economically and the party has to rally strongly behind the prime minister and the government on this matter and they have shown a great deal of understanding.” He was optimistic the economy would experience some growth in 2018.

“We hope that from 2018 and onwards, we will see a positive turnaround in the economy and greater levels of investment and possibly growth.” Khan said the PNM was expecting a turnout of about 5,000 supporters.