00:00As true patriots, the People's National Movement always seeks the best interests of Trinidad and Tobago,
00:08and it is therefore my earnest hope for impactful and responsible leadership from the government chosen by the citizens in the general election of 2025.
00:18The new leader of the opposition, Penelope Beckles-Robinson, as she delivered remarks during the ceremonial opening of the 13th Parliament.
00:25We pledge to put the people above politics, country above party.
00:31The opposition of Trinidad and Tobago will be a voice of reason, portraying professionalism, respect, understanding, strength and clarity.
00:40The opposition leader extended congratulations to the new Speaker of the House, Jack Dale Singh,
00:45as well as to Prime Minister Kamala Fasad-Bissessa for her party's victory in the general election.
00:49In acknowledging the PNM's defeat, opposition leader Beckles-Robinson also spoke about her party's new chapter,
00:56as she made an apparent reference to its upcoming internal elections.
01:00The people have chosen the People's National Movement as the opposition party of the 13th Republican Parliament.
01:07Vox Populi, Vox Dei. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
01:12To the people, and through the people, Mr. Speaker, we thank you for your support,
01:17and even as we accept our duty at this time, and as we hold the government to account,
01:24be assured that we have begun the preparation will allow the People's National Movement
01:29to form the next government of Trinidad.
01:31The opposition leader called on the House of Representatives to be united in its commitment
01:38to the democratic process, as she expects the debates in the new term of the Parliament
01:43to be vigorous and passionate.
01:45But let us not forget that our first responsibility is to our constituents and to our country.
01:51We may disagree, but may we never become disagreeable.
01:56Let us hold ourselves to a high standard, with a shared commitment to advance the principles
02:02enshrined in our Constitution and to serve the public interests.
02:07The opposition leader emphasized her plan for the PNM in the new term of the Parliament.
02:13Our modus operandi will not be to oppose for opposing's sake.
02:17We will offer thoughtful, constructive, people-centered and visionary contributions,
02:21as one would expect of a 70-year-old party that intends to form the next government.
02:28Our policies...
02:32Opposition leader Beckels Robinson also reflected the sentiments of the need for collaboration
02:37expressed by President Christine Kangaloo to the elected and non-elected members of Parliament.
02:42Mr. Speaker, the government can be assured of our support for good law and sound policy.
02:48At this time in the history of our nation, a level of collaboration may be required
02:53to effectively address certain complex issues, such as crime.
02:57However, the opposition leader had a message for the government.
03:01Crime and other issues of critical import cannot be solved by games of political football in this chamber.
03:07Neither can the superficial proposition of undemocratic measures be the solution.
03:13The people's national movement cautions that we will not sit by
03:17and allow the wholesale adoption of unsuitable legislation into our country.
03:23We demand due diligence and reject cut-and-paste approaches which have not been properly vetted.
03:29The opposition leader said the PNM anticipates the government's discussion on Tobago's autonomy.
03:34Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
