Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has issued a stark warning about the erosion of truth and democracy in Trinidad and Tobago, citing the pervasive spread of misinformation and the rise of superficial politics. Speaking at the relaunch of the Dr Eric Williams Institute for Political Education on November 22, Beckles emphasized the critical need for education and critical thinking to safeguard the nation’s democratic foundations. The event, held at the San Fernando City Hall Auditorium, marked a renewed commitment to the principles of Dr Eric Williams, the country’s first prime minister and a national icon. Beckles, who also serves as the political leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM), stressed that the institute’s revival is not merely a nostalgic gesture but a strategic move to institutionalize Williams’ methodologies for future generations. She highlighted the dangers of a society that neglects education, warning that such a path leads to manipulation and stagnation. Beckles urged PNM supporters to view Williams not as a historical relic but as a foundational figure whose legacy continues to shape the nation’s progress. She called for a return to the party’s roots, emphasizing the importance of building leaders and thinkers rather than mere followers. San Fernando East MP Brian Manning echoed these sentiments, crediting Williams and the PNM for the majority of the country’s progress. He criticized the government’s recent revitalization blueprint as a poor imitation of the Vision 2020 plan crafted by his father, former Prime Minister Patrick Manning. PNM education officer Dr Jelani Reid addressed the issue of misinformation, describing it as a societal illness that undermines the truth. He referenced recent claims by UNC PRO Dr Kirk Meighoo that Williams was not Trinidad and Tobago’s first prime minister, emphasizing the need to reclaim the narrative and ensure factual accuracy. San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris, a product of the institute, welcomed its relaunch, underscoring its enduring relevance. The PNM’s November 21 statement described the institute as a modern, 21st-century adaptation of the party’s traditional Party School, first established by Williams.