Attorney Kamla Persad Bissessar will be sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, more than 72 hours after guiding her United National Congress (UNC)-led coalition to an emphatic victory in the general elections on Monday.
A statement from the Office of the President said that the ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. (local time) on May 1 and will be presided over by President Christine Kangaloo.
Persad Bissessar, 73, who in 2010 made history by becoming the first woman to head a government in the oil rich-twin island republic, is also expected to name her attorney general on Thursday. She will be the oldest person ever to be sworn in as a prime minister in Trinidad and Tobago.
A statement issued by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) said voter turnout was 54 per cent and that based on the preliminary count, the UNC emerged as the leading party in the parliamentary elections, securing 26 of the 41 constituencies.
It said the outgoing People’s National People’s National Movement (PNM) secured 13 and the Tobago People’s Party secured two seats.
The EBC said that the UNC has formally requested general recounts in three constituencies and that “these preliminary results are provisional and remain subject to final validation, pending the conclusion of the requested recounts”.
The EBC said that a total of 1, 153, 850 persons were eligible to cast ballots in the general elections for the 161 candidates representing 17 political parties and three independent candidates.
Meanwhile, former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley, says he intends to tender his resignation as the PNM leader, during the party’s General Council meeting on Wednesday.
“On January 06, 2025 I indicated my intention to step down as Political Leader of the People’s National Movement with the party holding a convention to elect a new Political Leader in September,” Rowley wrote in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
He said in March, on his last day in office as prime minister, he informed the country that, “although my term as Political Leader legally runs until 2026, it was my intention to vacate this position at the earliest opportunity in consultation with the Leadership of the Movement.
“Today I will address the General Council and tender my resignation as Political Leader of the People’s National Movement which will take effect from tomorrow – Thursday 01 May, 2025,” he said, adding “this completes my disengagement firstly in the Government (March 16, 2025) and finally, in the party, (May 01, 2025).”
“I offer my sincere thanks to all for the opportunity to be of service in the various offices. I extend my best wishes to the PNM and the nation,” he added.
The PNM is also expected to name on Wednesday, the Opposition Leader from among the 13 opposition legislators. (CMC)
