19 hours ago
5
Gail Alexander
Senior Political Reporter
The Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) leadership is expected to examine internally a letter from San Fernando East MP Brian Manning calling for action on concerns raised by members of the constituency, including an alleged conflict of interest involving a PNM executive member who also heads the constituency executive.
The development comes as the PNM prepares for constituency elections from July 1.
Following the issues outlined in Manning’s letter, a cross-section of San Fernando East members expressed “a profound lack of confidence in the current constituency executive’s capacity to fairly, neutrally and transparently administer the constituency’s upcoming internal processes, particularly in instances where incumbent officers intend standing for re-election.”
Manning’s letter was addressed to the PNM’s General Council last Thursday through General Secretary Foster Cummings.
The correspondence detailed what it described as critical concerns regarding “governance, constitutional compliance and electoral integrity” within the San Fernando East constituency.
It urged the political leader, general secretary and General Council to thoroughly investigate the alleged “operational irregularities” and take the necessary corrective action to restore the confidence of San Fernando East members.
The letter was sent to the General Council in care of Cummings. The council was informed of the correspondence from San Fernando East. However, it was confirmed that the letter was not read at the meeting, despite being addressed to the council, as it was not submitted in the required format. Sources said such correspondence should have been addressed directly to the general secretary rather than the council.
The development generated interest among General Council attendees and on social media.
Manning did not respond to calls or text messages seeking comment on the matter.
The letter stated that critical governance issues had been repeatedly brought to Manning’s attention by San Fernando East members during consultations following the 2025 General Election.
It called for immediate attention to the following matters in order to protect the party:
Perceived conflict of interest within the executive
The letter cited widespread and growing unease among members regarding an alleged “structural overlap in governance” arising from the San Fernando East constituency chairman simultaneously serving on the PNM’s National Executive.
While this dual role may be permissible under the party’s existing framework, the letter stated it had created a strong perception of a conflict of interest.
“Members increasingly feel this arrangement compromises the necessary impartiality, transparency and objective advocacy required when local constituency grievances are escalated to the national level. The perceived deficit in independent representation has led to a noticeable decline in institutional confidence,” the letter stated.
Constitutional non-compliance regarding a by-election
Constituents also raised serious procedural concerns regarding a recent by-election held to fill an executive vacancy.
Members alleged that the vacancy was not announced in strict accordance with the PNM Constitution, which mandates seven days’ notice to members before an election is held.
The letter further alleged that the subsequent election or appointment of an individual who was a non-attending constituency group representative and an employee of a senior executive official had amplified concerns regarding transparency, fairness and nepotism.
“This deviation from established constitutional procedures has severely fractured internal trust,” the letter stated.
General decline in executive integrity and morale
The correspondence also pointed to what it described as an escalating perception among the constituency base that several executive officers were failing to act in a manner that inspired confidence.
It claimed this had resulted in deep-seated distrust and a decline in member engagement, volunteer morale and party cohesion at a time when PNM unity was paramount.
Concerns over electoral integrity
The letter stated that, as a result of the issues raised, “a significant cross-section of San Fernando East members have expressed a profound lack of confidence in the current executive’s capacity to fairly, neutrally and transparently administer our upcoming internal processes, particularly in instances where incumbent officers intend standing for re-election.”
It suggested that the General Council implement a number of oversight measures before the July constituency elections, including:
An independent audit and verification of all registered active San Fernando East party groups;
The immediate regularisation and official recognition of all party groups meeting the constitutional requirements of the PNM; and
Independent oversight or external administration from the national level to manage constituency elections.
Yesterday, PNM Political Leader Pennelope Beckles did not respond to WhatsApp queries seeking her views on the letter, whether it would be discussed, or whether any of the recommendations would be adopted. Cummings also did not respond.
However, PNM executive officials said assurances had been given that the matter would be discussed internally.
“The PNM will handle its business internally and the leadership will appropriately manage matters as required,” one official said.
PNM Assistant General Secretary Patricia Alexis, who is also chairman of the San Fernando East constituency executive, did not respond to requests for comment.
Alexis has served as chairman of the constituency for more than 10 years and was a member of Beckles’ “One PNM” slate during the party’s 2025 internal elections.
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