Rowley wins: PNM drops the Balisier Tie

Rowley's new look - no Balisier tie

The People’s National Movement (PNM) has decided that it will no longer be mandatory for party members and officials to wear the Balisier tie.

Party chairman Franklyn Khan presented the motion to change the long-standing rule, at a meeting of the PNM General Council at the party’s headquarters at Balisier House.

Only nine members voted to keep the tie mandatory; 60 delegates supported wearing the tie as optional.

Khan called the development "a resounding victory" for party leader Dr Keith Rowley, who put his reputation on the line by insisting that the tie be removed as a mandatory symbol.

The PNM has been criticised over the years for its insistence on the use of the tie outside of party events. MPs and ministers have worn the tie in Parliament and in their official capacity. 

However shortly after taking over the leadership Rowley and members of the PNM parliamentary caucus stopped wearing the tie to the legislature.

According to Khan, "The general population is indicating to him (Rowley) that the tie should not be worn when you are representing the national community in, for example, the Parliament. But however, we did not rule that people who want to continue wearing it are free to do so. It is an optional issue.”