Stuart Young, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has called for elections on April 28 following his swearing-in. He advised the dissolution of Parliament and has retained the energy minister portfolio while reshaping the cabinet. The opposition, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has criticized the transition but is preparing for the upcoming elections.
Stuart Young, newly appointed Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has announced that elections will be held on April 28. He advised President Christine Kangaloo to dissolve Parliament effective midnight following his swearing-in on Monday. The elections will feature a nomination day on April 4, marking the beginning of Young’s pursuit of an electoral mandate following a historic transition of power.
Young’s ascension follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Keith Rowley, who led the country for nearly a decade. Rowley, head of the People’s National Movement, announced Young, then the Minister of Energy, as his successor in January, which adds an unusual dimension to this leadership change.
While calling for elections, Young aims to secure a mandate during a period of significant political tension in Trinidad, where the opposition, the United National Congress (UNC), is reportedly facing challenges. UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has criticized the leadership transition as unconstitutional but has expressed the party’s readiness to contest the upcoming elections.
In his last rally, Rowley encouraged dissatisfied UNC members to join his party and criticized the opposition’s reactions to recent issues, such as the UK’s visa imposition on Trinidadians. He emphasized the need for national solidarity in tackling challenges like increased violence and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Young’s swearing-in has also set the stage for a restructured cabinet, where he retained his role as Minister of Energy while appointing a new Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. Former Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis takes on this crucial position in Young’s government.
In summary, Stuart Young’s swift call for elections signifies a proactive approach to establish his legitimacy as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. The April elections, amidst tensions with the opposition and critiques of the recent government transition, will be pivotal for the future political landscape of the nation. Young’s leadership will be tested as he navigates both domestic concerns and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic while aiming to unite the country under his leadership.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
