15 May 2025
Kamla Persad-Bissessar has returned as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, vowing to lead a compassionate, inclusive, and decisive administration.
Her United National Congress (UNC) secured a majority by winning 26 out of 41 seats, effectively ending the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) decade-long governance.
“You will be my priority. You must always know you have a leader who cares for you and understands your problems,” said Persad-Bissessar during her historic swearing in, becoming the only woman to serve twice as Prime Minister.
Her new government is significantly larger, with 32 members sworn in by President Christine Kangaloo on 3 May. Among the top appointments are John Jeremie as Attorney General, Davendranath Tancoo as Finance Minister, and Dr Roodal Moonilal as Energy Minister.
The expanded Cabinet includes several new portfolios, such as Artificial Intelligence, separate ministries of National Security and Defence, as well as new emphasis on rural development and planning.
“Our highest priority will be not just to communicate with you, but to commune with you… We have done it before, and we will do it again. We will work to make life better for all,” said the 73-year-old Persad-Bissessar during her first address to the nation as Prime Minister.
One of her first promises is to repeal the controversial Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA) which the PNM advanced as a single revenue collection agency. Describing it as an “abysmal failure,” she noted that only 32.6% of public officers expressed interest in transferring to the TTRA. Instead, her government will focus on strengthening the existing Board of Inland Revenue. “Proper governance and record keeping will be prioritised,” she added.Addressing the country’s fiscal crisis, Persad-Bissessar revealed a US$651.24mn deficit for May and a projected US$1.61bn for the fiscal year. “They didn’t even leave fumes,” she said, blaming the previous PNM government. She laid out recovery plans including overdraft withdrawals, refinancing Treasury bills, and drawing on the Heritage and Stabilisation Funds to be able to honour salary promises.
“We have very competent people in Finance,” she insisted, adding that new revenue sources would come from cutting waste and reprioritising spending. Persad-Bissessar announced cost-cutting measures such as slashing spending on advertising, luxury vehicles, and security details. “For far too long, your tax dollars have gone to waste,” declared the Prime Minister.
She also confirmed her government will abandon the PNM’s attempt to reintroduce property taxes and will refund those who have already paid. This announcement has been met with some resistance in the country. “You can’t tell me the Treasury is empty… and then be telling me that you’re not collecting property tax,” argued economist Dr Daren Conrad, criticising the decision as financially reckless.
Despite this, Persad-Bissessar is confident her government has a plan. “We weren’t caught by surprise, so we were ready with the plans, policies and programme to fix it. And fix it we will,” said the Prime Minister as she laid out a legislative agenda including “stand your ground’ and home invasion laws, and fast-tracking firearm permits for law-abiding citizens.
Energy remains a priority, with plans for regional cooperation. “Let us explore the offer being made by Guyana to bring gas to Trinidad and Tobago… and Grenada’s offshore potential.” She added, “We will rebuild hope. We will rebuild dignity,” said Persad-Bissessar.
On the contentious Salaries Review Commission (SRC) salary hikes, she argued that she has no legal power to reverse them. “I do not have that prerogative,” she said, referring the matter to Attorney General Jeremie.
The Prime Minister appeared to offer an olive branch to the Tobago People’s Party (TPP)—which holds the two parliamentary seats on the island—announcing that there will be renewed legislative collaboration.
However, the TPP has so far made it clear that there will be no coalition with the UNC, with MPs prioritising the interests of Tobago in parliament.
Following the electoral defeat, the PNM is preparing to elect a new leader in June 2025. This comes after former Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced his resignation as the political leader. Additionally, Stuart Young, who had served as the PNM’s Prime Ministerial candidate, resigned as the party’s Chairman.
In the interim, Nyan Gadsby-Dolly and Colm Imbert previously the Minister of Education and Minster of Finance were appointed party chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively.
“Trinidad and Tobago has had prime ministers before me and will have others after me. But you will never have another prime minister who loves this country as much as I do,” declared Persad-Bissessar as she called for national unity.
With a renewed mandate and an ambitious reform agenda, Trinidad and Tobago enters a new political chapter. Whether this expanded Cabinet can deliver remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the now main opposition PNM must now prioritise its rebuilding efforts.
Photo reference: https://www.instagram.com/mpkamla/?hl=en
Source: Caribbean Insight –