Stuart Young has been sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s new Prime Minister, calling for elections on April 28, with nominations on April 4. This transition follows Keith Rowley’s resignation after nearly ten years in office. Young’s call for elections comes amid opposition tensions and various national challenges.
Stuart Young has been officially sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and has quickly announced a call for new elections. His administration plans to dissolve Parliament as of midnight, and the elections are scheduled for April 28, with nomination day set for April 4, as stated by the Office of the Prime Minister.
This transition follows the unexpected resignation of long-time Prime Minister Keith Rowley, who led the nation for nearly a decade. Rowley appointed Young, who had been serving as the minister of energy, to assume the prime ministership. Young’s mandate comes at a crucial time as Trinidad navigates political tensions and seeks to assert its direction amid economic challenges.
The opposition party, the United National Congress (UNC), is currently led by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has expressed reservations about the legality of Young’s recent appointment. However, after the election announcement, Persad-Bissessar asserted that the UNC is prepared to contest in the upcoming elections.
Rowley, in his final rally, criticized the UNC’s actions and encouraged dissidents to join his party. He also shared reflections on his tenure, highlighting challenges such as violence and the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the issues posed by an influx of migrants from Venezuela.
During his swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Young retained his energy portfolio while announcing changes within the cabinet, including appointing Camille Robinson-Regis as the new attorney general and minister of legal affairs. Caribbean leaders have recognized Rowley’s leadership on security and crime, calling for unity going forward.
In summary, Stuart Young’s rapid call for elections marks a significant moment in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape following his appointment as Prime Minister. The impending elections, scheduled for April 28, reflect a response to the current challenges facing the nation, including governance issues and opposition dynamics. Young’s leadership transition not only underscores the changing political environment but also highlights the urgency for a renewed mandate to address pressing national issues.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
