Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley says he is ready and willing to take part in a national debate, should a debate come to pass.
Speaking to reporters outside the Mucurapo Street Masjid, San Fernando, yesterday morning, Rowley said once the date proposed by the T&T Debates Commission met “certain requirements” he would participate.
Rowley joined members of the masjid in distributing alms to members of the public who lined the streets outside, where he was greeted with cheers and hugs by a number of people.
“I am not involved in the negotiations, but there are some arrangements in place and if those arrangements are met we will take part. The PNM has a team that has met with the Debates Commission that is led by chairman, vice-chairman and some of our senior people,” he said. “So at the end of the day, if they manage to organise one, then I would be very willing to take part.”
Although he declined to comment on the current conflict between the Debates Commission and the Government, he labelled the conflict “unnecessary.”
“I am a little disappointed that a matter like this, and I see a lot of acrimony today in the papers between the commission and the Government,” said Rowley. “I think that was unnecessary, and I think if we can’t manage to organise a little debate what else can we manage to do.”
He said the PNM had taken part in debates before and the party was hopeful a debate would take place before the election date.
“It is not the first time, and we in the PNM have taken part in 2010 and 2013 and we are willing to take part again, but I am hoping that it comes up.”
Rowley also visited the Macoon Street Masjid in Victoria Village, San Fernando, where he praised worshippers for their discipline throughout the month of Ramadan.
“Ramadan is about discipline. If there is one thing we have been in short supply in T&T and in our history is our attention to discipline. So today, I can say continue to hold that light out to the rest of the country, that staff out to the country, and continue to make all of us more disciplined.”
Rowley was accompanied by San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein, who addressed worshippers briefly, urging them to learn from the sacrifices they made during Ramadan.
• See Pages A10, A24