Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has defended a moment in which she was seen holding hands with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, saying political differences should not prevent the country’s leaders from showing respect toward each other.
The interaction occurred during the traditional church service marking the opening of the law term and later generated discussion online, with some questioning the friendly exchange between two political leaders who have publicly disagreed on several issues.
Asked about the moment, Beckles questioned what people expected her to do when the Prime Minister approached her.
“What should I have done?” Beckles asked, questioning whether she was expected to reject the Prime Minister simply because they are political opponents.
Beckles said she remains passionate about her politics, her constituency and her responsibilities as Opposition Leader, but argued that political disagreement does not erase the fact that both leaders are human beings.
She made it clear that cordial interactions outside of political battles would not prevent her from strongly challenging the Government when necessary.
Beckles said that when she is in Parliament and the situation requires her to take action, be aggressive or speak forcefully as Opposition Leader, she will do so.
However, she expressed concern about a wider culture in Trinidad and Tobago where disagreements increasingly appear to become confrontations.
“We live in a society now where our young people, our students, everything is a fight and a fight and everybody quarrelling,” Beckles said.
She argued that the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader have a responsibility to consider the image their behaviour presents to young people and the wider country.
According to Beckles, there are occasions when leaders must firmly defend their positions, but there should also be room for respectful and decent interactions despite political differences.
She noted that the hand-holding occurred at a religious service surrounding the opening of the law term, where those attending had just participated in prayers for a positive start to proceedings.
Beckles questioned whether people genuinely expected her to push the Prime Minister away in such a setting.
“We have to be better than that as a country,” she said.
