Opposition Leader Pen­ne­lope Beckles set a different tone yesterday when she pledged to offer opposition, not obstruction, and spoke of a less confrontational style of leadership.

In a 14-minute speech that began by offering congratulations to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Beckles said: “At this crucial time in our history, fraught with economic, social, and geopolitical challenges, I am called to make my contribution as Leader of the Opposition. Let me be clear, it is not my conviction that opposition means obstruction. True leadership is not necessarily loud, aggressive or denigra­ting. It is steady, thoughtful and courageous.”

Beckles was delivering an address at the presentation of her instrument of appointment as Opposition Leader at President’s House, Port of Spain.