Former senate president Timothy Hamel-Smith yesterday formally presented the newest political party, referred to as The Third Force Movement (TTFM).
Thus far, the Movement comprises the Alliance of Independents (AOI) led by Nicole Dyer-Griffith and the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) led by Dr Carson Charles.
However, Hamel-Smith has not ruled out the inclusion of other independent parties joining the Movement.
Presenting the party and its logo during a formal ceremony at the Normandie Hotel, St Ann’s, yesterday, Hamel-Smith referred to the launch as a “groundbreaking moment in the political life of T&T.”
Admitting that the idea had been long in gestation, Hamel-Smith described the TTFM as “bursting out on the scene at this time when we are witnessing the most brutish and nasty election campaigning” in this country’s history.
Hamel-Smith said the TTFM represented the multitude of citizens who were dissatisfied with the downward spiral of politics, those crying out for an end to the corruption and violence, and the undecided voters searching for a vehicle and leaders who could make a difference in their lives.
While there was no single leader of the TTFM, former finance minister Gerald Yetming said it would be led by a council of leaders. Acknowledging that between 30 per cent and 40 per cent of the citizenry were undecided, Yetming said the time had come for a force or entity to galvanise this section of society into action.
NAR leader Dr Charles also urged the population to refrain from choosing one of the larger and more recognised political parties simply because of fear.
He said many people continued to vote but complained bitterly as they felt trapped by what they perceived as their limited choices. He suggested that the TTFM was a new way forward.
Endorsing Hamel-Smith’s presentation of the TTFM, Dyer-Griffith, who was accompanied by her husband, former national security minister Gary Griffith, appealed to those who continued to stand on the sidelines, waiting to be included in the governance of the country.
Asked what the TTFM intended to do differently and why the public should trust them—as this party was headed by persons formerly aligned with the current administration—Hamel-Smith said he knew they had to earn the trust of the population.
He urged citizens to look ahead to what the party would do to fulfil the demands of the electorate, as well as their actions and efforts to ensure inclusion and fair play, eradicate corruption and tackle issues affecting the citizens.
On the issue of campaign financing and if the TTFM was ready to reveal its source of income later on, Hamel-Smith shied away from responding directly.