Stuart Young Calls for New Elections One Day After Becoming Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

Stuart Young, recently sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has called for elections on April 28. Following the abrupt resignation of former Prime Minister Keith Rowley, Young seeks to secure his mandate amid challenges from the opposition UNC, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, that has questioned the legality of the transition. Key cabinet changes accompany Young’s new role, notably retaining the energy portfolio.

The newly appointed Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Stuart Young, has decisively called for fresh elections just a day after his historic swearing-in. Young advised President Christine Kangaloo to dissolve Parliament effective midnight, scheduling elections for April 28th, with nomination day set for April 4th.

Stuart Young, aged 50, assumed office following the resignation of long-serving Prime Minister Keith Rowley, who governed the nation for nearly a decade. Rowley, the former leader of the People’s National Movement, had previously endorsed Young, the previous Minister of Energy, as his successor.

Young’s call for elections aims to solidify his mandate amid concerns over the impact of international policies on Trinidad. The opposition party, the United National Congress (UNC), led by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is perceived as weakened and has declared the transition from Rowley to Young as unconstitutional.

Following Young’s announcement, Persad-Bissessar stated her party is prepared for the upcoming general election in April. Meanwhile, Young and Kangaloo have refuted the UNC’s claims regarding the legality of Young’s new position.

During his final political rally before leaving office, Rowley criticized the UNC, inviting discontented former members to join his party. He also discussed the implications of the British government’s visa imposition on Trinidadian nationals, suggesting a need to depart from the Privy Council as the highest court. In his remarks, Rowley expressed gratitude to his supporters and addressed the rising violence and challenges posed by the pandemic during his leadership.

In addition to his responsibilities as Prime Minister, Young retained the energy minister portfolio and introduced changes within the cabinet, including appointing Camille Robinson-Regis as the new Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

In conclusion, Stuart Young’s swift call for elections reflects his intent to establish legitimacy after his unexpected rise to the prime ministership of Trinidad and Tobago. His actions, supported by a backdrop of political transition and challenges facing the nation, set the stage for a critical electoral period in April. As the political landscape evolves, the response from the opposition and voter sentiment will significantly influence the country’s future direction.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com