Stuart Young, newly appointed prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, announces elections for April 28, following Parliament’s dissolution. Taking over after Keith Rowley’s unusual resignation, Young seeks to solidify his mandate while facing opposition from the United National Congress, which claims the transition is unconstitutional. Rowley reflects on his decade-long leadership amid pressing national issues.
Stuart Young has called for new elections just one day after assuming the role of prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, following a significant transition in leadership. The announcement made by the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday stated that President Christine Kangaloo will dissolve Parliament at midnight, setting the election date for April 28, with nomination day on April 4.
Young’s rise to prime minister comes after the resignation of longtime leader Keith Rowley, who served nearly a decade in office. Rowley stepped down in January, appointing Young, the former energy minister, to succeed him. Young emphasized the need for his own electoral mandate, especially as concerns among Caribbean nations grow regarding external policy impacts and the weakened state of the main opposition party, the United National Congress (UNC).
The UNC, led by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has criticized the leadership transition as illegal and unconstitutional. However, following Young’s election announcement, Persad-Bissessar asserted that her party is prepared for the forthcoming general elections, challenging the legality of Young’s new position.
In his final rally before stepping down, Rowley remarked on the opposition’s cues and criticized their response to the British government’s decision to impose stricter visa requirements for Trinidadians. He suggested this decision demonstrated the necessity of Trinidad and Tobago exiting the UK-based Privy Council as its highest court. During his tenure, Rowley faced challenges such as rising violence, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an influx of migrants from Venezuela.
Rowley’s leadership on security and crime was commended last month by CARICOM leaders. “Once we are together, we’ll be stronger,” he remarked in his rally. Young retains the energy minister portfolio while appointing a new attorney general, Camille Robinson-Regis, as part of his cabinet reshuffle.
Stuart Young’s immediate plans for new elections highlight a swift transition in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape. Following the unusual resignation of Keith Rowley, Young emphasizes his need for a fresh mandate amid ongoing challenges in governance and opposition criticism. With elections planned for April, the political climate indicates a significant potential shift in leadership dynamics in the nation.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
