If he becomes political leader of the PNM, Ronald Boynes first plans to build up the party, and then communities, with the goal of improving the country as a whole.
Boynes, 59, filed his nomination papers to contest the position of political leader on October 10 at the PNM’s Central Office in Enterprise, Chaguanas.
He told Sunday Newsday he intends to address the disconnect between party groups and the leadership.
Explaining the make-up of the party, he said the groups were the basic unit. Each constituency had polling divisions and party groups were aligned to each polling division.
Party group members were aware of issues in their divisions and should report those issues to the party. In turn, the reported issues should be dealt with by or inform the policies of the General Council and the political leader, later to affect the municipal corporations and eventually the Parliament, to become law.
“What has been happening, in my view, in recent times, is that there has been a disconnect between the party groups and the leadership, which some people consider to be a disregard and a disrespect for their voices.
“The effect is, what is really happening on the ground is not reaching up, or if it’s reaching up, it’s being ignored or disrespected. That’s something, as political leader, I will address and correct immediately.”
Boynes unsuccessfully contested the PNM vice chairmanship in 2018 and, in 2014, the position of general secretary on the slate of Pennelope Beckles, who was running for leadership at the time.
He said he welcomed democracy in the party, as he believed it would keep the party “vibrant” if its members remained “issues focused.” He planned to address several issues he had thought about and devised solutions for, saying his plans needed to be enacted now.
“I believe I have a vision for the party and the people of TT. I believe I have the heart to do it. I am very sensitive to and I recognise their needs.
"I don’t feel that is happening now. I see there is a vacuum and if I go for any other position or not participate, my voice would not be heard.”
At the very least, he said he would like his ideas to be brought to the forefront and be used to improve the party as this was “an important mechanism for producing the type of politicians that will then enact plans, programmes and policies for the benefit of the nation.”
LIVE TO SERVE
Born and raised in Sangre Grande, the father of four was admitted to the bar in 1986 and practises corporate and real-estate law.
He said he always had a love for his community, so he and his brother, Roger, a former minister of Sport and Youth Affairs in the Patrick Manning administration, used to organise sporting competitions, lessons for children and other community activities.
Although he supported his brother’s political career in an unofficial capacity, he officially became involved in politics in 1996 when some friends encouraged him to join the United National Congress.
[caption id="attachment_980747" align="alignnone" width="684"] Ronal
