Stuart Young has become the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, calling for new elections on April 28, 2024, a day after his swearing-in. Young succeeded Keith Rowley, who unexpectedly resigned after nearly ten years in office. The opposition UNC, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has claimed the transition is unconstitutional, while Young seeks to solidify his mandate amid ongoing national challenges.
Stuart Young has officially assumed the role of Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and is seeking a fresh mandate through new elections. On Tuesday, his office announced his recommendation to President Christine Kangaloo to dissolve Parliament effective midnight, with elections scheduled for April 28, 2024, and nomination day set for April 4, 2024.
Young, aged 50, was sworn in as the Caribbean nation’s eighth prime minister following an unusual transition period after the resignation of long-serving Prime Minister Keith Rowley. Rowley had served nearly a decade as the leader of the People’s National Movement and chose Young, previously the Energy Minister, to succeed him.
At this critical juncture, Young is compelled to establish his own mandate while addressing concerns over policies that may impact Trinidad. The primary opposition party, the United National Congress (UNC), led by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is currently struggling and has claimed the transition of power is illegal and unconstitutional.
Persad-Bissessar has publicly declared that her party is prepared for the upcoming elections on April 28. Both Kangaloo and Young have refuted the UNC’s claims regarding the legitimacy of Young’s ascension to the prime ministership. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Rowley, during his farewell rally, extended an invitation to dissatisfied members of the opposition to join his party, expressing criticism towards the UNC’s reaction to a visa policy imposed by the British government on Trinidad nationals.
Rowley also acknowledged the challenges faced during his administration, including rising crime rates and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the influx of migrants from Venezuela. He received praise from CARICOM leaders for his approach to security and crime issues.
Young, in addition to retaining his role as the energy minister, announced new appointments to his Cabinet, including former Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis as the new attorney general and minister of legal affairs. These changes aim to revitalize the government as it prepares for the electoral process ahead.
In conclusion, Stuart Young’s swift move to initiate new elections shortly after assuming the role of Prime Minister underscores a significant moment in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape. With elections planned for April 28, 2024, and the opposition facing internal challenges, Young’s leadership will be rigorously tested. This transition signals a desire to establish a fresh mandate during a turbulent political environment, addressing both local governance and broader regional concerns.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
