-- MEDIA STATEMENT --
Dear members of the Media, Editors, Political Reporters.
CALL TO ACTION: TIME FOR ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY & REFORM IN THE PNM
The People’s National Movement (PNM) stands at a critical juncture. The voices of the people have spoken, and the verdict is clear: our Party must return to its foundational principles of integrity, democracy, and accountability.
Yet, one of the clearest obstacles to that renewal remains at the heart of the Party’s machinery — General Secretary and defeated MP for La Horquetta Talparo, Mr. Foster Cummings.
Despite the Party’s electoral setback and growing calls for internal reform, Mr. Cummings refuses to accept responsibility or step aside. His continued presence in this role raises serious concerns that go beyond political ambition — they strike at the core of the Party’s credibility and integrity.
We issue this urgent call to the PNM General Council and membership to demand the immediate removal of Foster Cummings as General Secretary for the following reasons:
1. Abuse of Office and Breach of Constitutional Duties
As General Secretary, Mr. Cummings is entrusted with maintaining accurate membership records and ensuring transparent electoral processes. Yet:
- Two ineligible persons — Dr. Amery Browne and Roger Monroe — were permitted to vote in the most recent General Council elections, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the outcome.
- No proper oversight or verification of the PNM’s membership database exists. The list is reportedly held in private hands, outside formal party structures and Balisier House.
2. Manipulation of Internal Elections
There is a documented pattern of interference and rigging:
- In the 2024 National Youth League elections, persons over 25 were permitted to vote, and several young members were reportedly bullied through their parents or threatened with job loss to support Mr. Cummings’ slate.
- At the 2018 Convention, after a close contest between Penny Beckles and Franklin Khan, a rushed motion to destroy ballots was led by loyalists — preventing any audit of the results. The same thing happened in Tuesday's GC vote.
3. Undemocratic Confirmation of the Opposition Leader
When Ms. Beckles was appointed Opposition Leader, the constitutional process was bypassed. There was no caucus meeting of the 13 MPs, no internal secret vote as was done in Tobago by Dr. Rowley as was done in 2010 when Dr. Rowley became Opposition Leader. Instead, a premature press release was issued before General Council ratification — a move coordinated by Laurel Lezama and others, with Mr. Cummings' involvement.
4. Conflict of Interest and Unchecked Ambition
It is widely known that Mr. Cummings harbours ambitions to become Political Leader. This represents a clear conflict of interest as he oversees the Party’s membership listing — the very mechanism that determines electoral outcomes within the PNM.
5. A Call for Independent Oversight
We must now insist on:
- An immediate independent audit of the PNM membership database;
- A halt to any internal elections until this process is complete;
- Oversight of future elections by a third-party auditor and the Party’s Election Committee;
- A formal report submitted to and ratified by the General Council before the next Convention date is set.
This is not about personalities. It is about principle.
The PNM must embrace a new era of internal democracy, transparency, and accountability. Business as usual, under Foster Cummings and his enablers, will condemn this party to a generation in opposition.
The General Council, Party Groups, and members must now stand up — not just for today’s PNM — but for the future we owe the next generation.
Let us begin the cleansing. Let us demand better. Let us reclaim our Party.
Best regards,
PNM Changemakers 2025
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