Colm: Get new PNM app

COLM IMBERT, People’s National Movement (PNM) chairman, invited the public to upload the party’s new cell-phone app when it is released at the end of January.

He briefed reporters after the PNM General Council met on Thursday at Balisier House, Port of Spain.

Imbert said consultants will modernise the party’s online presence, including updating its website, as a means for party members to give feedback on their concerns. The app will let people join the PNM online and allow members to stay informed, he added.

Imbert noted the party is facing three successive elections over the next three years: local government polls in 2019, a general election in 2020 and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) polls in 2021. “We have been on an election footing since our last party convention,” he said. “We are in election mode and will be for the next two years.”

The local polls are due between November 2019 and February 2020.

Imbert said the party wants to recruit 500 new members in each constituency, or some 20,000 people nationwide. While admitting it has always been a challenge to recruit, he said, “I see more and more people are interested in becoming politically active and politically involved.”

Asked if he was worried that seabridge woes could harm the PNM in the 2021 THA polls, Imbert said, “No. I think we might be gaining more votes.”

Newsday asked if recent maverick acts by activists outside the formal two-party system could affect the polity. Imbert replied, "I think we'll have to wait and see."

Should political quarrels should be guided by gentleman’s agreements, such as not to attack each other’s families?

PNM PRO Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing said a political code of conduct was set up a few years ago, endorsed by religious groups, but she was unsure if politicians of other parties were still abiding by it.

“The PNM is a very disciplined party but it is unsure if others will behave,” she said.

Otherwise, Imbert said the General Council had just named its committees for research, foreign affairs, labour, discipline and education.