PNM stays away from Independence celebrations; Suruj calls that 'disrespectful'

The People's National Movement was absent from Wednesday's Independence Day Celebrations although there was no official boycott.

PNM public relations officer Senator Faris Al Rawi confirmed the Opposition’s low profile at Independence functions and at least one PNM member said why she was unable to attend.

Opposition Chief Whip Marlene McDonald told the Guardian newspaper she did not attend the parade or the awards function since she was "under the weather". Opposition leader Keith Rowley and other prominent party members and officials also did not attend.

Foreign Affairs and Information Minister Suruj Rambachan called the opposition's absence disrespectful.

“The Opposition’s absence was disrespect to the national community at a time when citizens should be seeing unity in the country," Rambachan said. 

“The Opposition, which always claims to be part of the governance structure, sent a very dangerous signal to the country by absenting themselves at a time when the protective services who have given yeoman and unconditional service to T&T were on parade and need to know they had the support of everyone elected by the people,” he added.