Rowley seeks support in New York, "bad talks" new government's policies

Keith Rowley was in New York on Friday wooing nationals who live there and assuring that them that he plans to rebuild, restructure and broaden the base of the People’s National Movement (PNM).

The opposition leader was addressing PNM supporters in downtown Brooklyn, New York as part of a week-long visit to the U.S. to build support for himself and the party he leads.

He admitted that the PNM failed on many levels, including accountability and integrity. However he said PNM is part of "the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.” He added that times have changed and said "We can no longer defend people at the expense of institutions.”

Rowley told his friendly audience: “It is our responsibility to reconnect to the electorate. We have to be committed whether in office or out of office. He said although they are in New York, they remain part of the PNM base.

"I want you...Sometimes, you who are away from home have a better appreciation for the PNM,” he said in what appeared to be a reference to his growing troubles at home with many party insiders who have criticised him and his leadership.

Rowley, who fought hard to kick out former leader and former PM Patrick Manning told supporters he did not want the job but now that he is the leader he stands "ready to put our house in order.”

Rowley acknowledged the shortcomings of the PNM in the past. But he also suggested that the present People's Partnership administration is not competent to run the country. 

And one comment seemed to contradict his own assertions and at the same time indict the PNM government. "We see the Government want to be more PNM than the PNM,” he said.

Rowley also spoke about the labour unrest in the county with public service workers up in arms demanding more pay. He said a paralysis is taking hold in the Government and accused the government of “trying to undo everything the PNM did.”

He said the government has been making all the wrong decisions, pointing to the scrapping of then offshore patrol boats, the cancellation of plans for the aluminium smelter in La Brea and the Clico fiasco, all of which were PNM projects.

"Our decision to bail out Clico was all about restoring confidence in our financial sector. Everyone at that time agreed with our position," he said. He said the new government is just "bad talking" PNM while putting "our country at risk” with its bad decisions.