Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley has blanked long-time People’s National Movement (PNM) Senator Penelope Beckles-Robinson from the new senatorial line-up. Rowley is expected to announce the reshuffled senators this week, after meeting with Beckles in her capacity as both party lady vice chair and leader of Senate business, but the Sunday Guardian understands that Rowley has already made up his mind.
The existing bad blood between the two was further exacerbated by recent questions surrounding Beckles’ behaviour during the last two elections—local government and the St Joseph by-election. Beckles is one of two current senators pegged to be sidelined, as Rowley announces the fresh line-up this week. Some party members have toed the diplomatic line and told the Sunday Guardian that Beckles’ removal may have to do with the PNM’s use of the Senate as a “grow box” to groom future MPs.
“Perhaps, Dr Rowley, in his wisdom, knows that Penny is ready to be an MP and has served well in Senate, and it’s time to bring in and groom other PNM senators,” he said. But other senior party members painted a much different picture—that of a tenuous relationship between Rowley and Beckles and a battle for the leadership chair.
While picking the fresh line-up falls strictly under Rowley’s purview, party insiders have revealed that Beckles has been flagged for removal after reports of her behaviour during two of the four elections this year reached the senior party executive. Such reports include a possible collusion with another party and her unusual disappearance during the hectic build-up to the local government elections.
The Sunday Guardian understands that the party executive raised several red flags about Beckles’ behaviour, especially her disappearance during key walkabouts in Arima in the build-up to the local government elections. Another question raised by party insiders was where did Beckles get the funds that she handed out to the women’s arm during the local government campaigning.
Another question which party insiders raised was where did Beckles get the funds which she handed out to the women’s arm during the local government campaigning. “Isn’t that something the office should know about? When we try to get on to her, we hearing she at Balisier House. Well we here, she wasn’t,” one key party supporter said.
Rowley’s blank comes as no surprise to party watchers, who have already noticed and discussed the rift developing between Rowley supporters and those backing Beckles. Beckles has also made it public that she intended to contest the internal election for the leadership post. Party insiders, in a interview on Friday, said while the party’s internal election was now constitutionally due in 2015, it was Rowley who called for an earlier date so as not to clash with the next general election in the same year.
Though no date has been set for the leadership election, one party source said it must be held before September 2014. The Sunday Guardian understands that Beckles’ behaviour during the local government elections and the St Joseph by-election added fresh fuel to the strained relationship between Rowley and Beckles. “She is a non-performer,” one party senior said.
This, they contend, is just the latest in the list of Beckles’ actions that has raised questions about her loyalty to the PNM. The party insider said Beckles had support from two older members of the party, both of whom were not happy with the more “inclusive and democratic” nature of the new PNM. Both were staunch supporters of former leader Patrick Manning. “They went so far as to say Rowley has an (East) Indian cabal around him, what nonsense is that?” one insider said.
Robinson-Regis tipped to replace Penny
Camille Robinson-Regis has been tipped to replace Beckles. In a brief telephone interview on Friday, Robinson-Regis said she had not yet been approached but was ready to serve the PNM “in any capacity.”
The delay in the announcement stemmed from a clash in schedules between Rowley and Beckles who have to meet to discuss that decision and also name the new senator to replace St Joseph Member of Parliament Terrence Deyalsingh. The Sunday Guardian understands that party member Christine Sahadeo has been tipped for that post.
No comment from Rowley, Beckles
Both Rowley and Beckles refused to comment on the matter. Beckles responded to one of several text messages on Friday night saying, “Sorry I am now seeing ur txt what is ur story about.” The details were texted to her moments later on Friday night, however there was no response up to late yesterday.