Political leader of the National Transformation Alliance (NTA) Gary Griffith has praised new President Christine Kangaloo for the refreshing tone she set with her inauguration speech.
However, he said it is left to be seen if she can stand firm against political influence.
In a statement to his social media page late Monday, Griffith said: “The inaugural address of our seventh President, Christine Kangaloo, was very passionate and more inspirational and respectful to the citizens she serves, in her first day, than the 5 years of our previous President Paula Mae Weekes.
He said: “Whilst Weekes treated President’s House as more of the shrine of an individual who preferred to pontificate and talk down to citizens, often times disrespecting our intelligence, Kangaloo started very well, promising openness, accessibility, and a demystification of the role of President, which Weekes seemed incapable of understanding, far less implementing.”
“Not just a rebuff of Weekes’ style, demeanour and approach, Kangaloo’s words about not being combative or belligerent, and being the “Diplomat in Chief”, without bitterness and acrimony, showing respect, and invoking Merchant’s lyrics of “Let us forget spite and grudges”, must surely be seen as a slap in the face of Prime Minister Keith Rowley, who embodies and showcases all that she promises her Presidency will not be. Indicative of Rowley’s character, he never smiled or nodded in approval when Kangaloo was sharing this inclusive and statesman-like approach.”
Griffith added that “her promises of stellar representation to those she serves, is very relevant at this time, as our independent institutions are under attack by Rowley and the hierarchy of the PNM, who seem hell-bent on turning TNT into a full-blown dictatorship. In this regard it is hoped that Kangaloo would not treat President’s House as a coffee shop, where politicians can show up to have meetings with high ranking officials of independent bodies, with the aftermath being the crime of the removal of a sitting Commissioner of Police.”
He said it is his sincerest hope that President Kangaloo does not bow to political pressure, and that she adheres to her constitutional duty without fear or favour, because if she wavers from these ideals, her reputation will be irrevocably stained, and her legacy destroyed.
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