Persad-Bissessar sworn in as PM, her second time as head of TT government

Kamla Persad-Bissessar created history on Thursday, when she took the oath of office, becoming the first woman to be sworn in as prime minister of Trinidad & Tobago on two separate occasions.

Persad-Bissessar, 73, a senior counsel who first became PM in 2010 when she led the People’s Partnership government, was sworn in by President Christine Kangaloo more than 72 hours after she led her United National Congress coalition to a convincing victory in the general election that had been called four months ahead of the second anniversary of the People’s National Movement’s second consecutive term in office.

Her appointment means that, for the first time in the history of this twin island republic, the senior political posts in the country are held by women, with the opposition leader being Pennelope Beckles.

Senior Counsel John Jeremie, who served as attorney general in previous PNM administrations, from 2003-2007 and 2009-2010, was also sworn in as the new attorney general.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar ‘s Cabinet was set to be sworn into office on Saturday, and she warned the incoming government ministers and legislators that “if you treat citizens with callousness, contempt … I guarantee you your retribution will be swift and brutal”.

“Never, ever mistake my physical appearance or my kindness for weakness. I think you all know there is nothing more dangerous than a mother who believes her children are in danger. Everyone will be wise to remember that for the next five years,” she said at the swearing in ceremony.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said that her administration will seek to be inclusive, and dismissed those she termed as “eat a food financiers, who have looted this country for the last 10 years”, adding that “democracy may be imperfect, but, once every five years, no matter your wealth or status, everyone is equal on election day”.

She said that, beyond Port-of-Spain, “there is a country with real people, with real feelings and ambitions. This is their country too. That is why I dedicate my term as prime minister to the forgotten people of our country,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She added that everyone would be treated equally and fairly.

“I made a promise that everybody will win, and I plan to fulfil that promise,” she said, while indicating that she will be outlining the plans for her administration for “the coming months” to the country this week.

Persad-Bissessar has promised that, six months into her administration’s term in office,“you will be in a safer and happier place, you will see what happen when a government cares. We will work to make you and your lives better, that is our promise to you. We have done it before and, with your help, we will do it again,” she added.

The PM, whose government was elected for a term of five years, cautioned, however, that some of the actions taken by the government may take time to deliver benefits.

“Some of the seeds we will plant in this five-year journey will blossom into trees, whose fruits we may not eat, but our children and grandchildren and the generations to come will certainly eat that fruit,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar led the UNC coalition to win 26 out of the 41 seats in the Parliament, with 13 going to the PNM and the other two to the Tobago People’s Party, whose leader and Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, Farley Chavez Augustine, was among the invited guests at the ceremony.

In a brief address at the ceremony, President Kangaloo congratulated Prime Minister Persad Bissessar for being “historic” in becoming the first woman to be twice elected as head of the T&T government.

“The occasion of this, your second prime ministerial appointment, is significant for women. This afternoon’s swearing-in ceremony is also significant because it is the highest demonstration of our country’s democracy at work and of our country’s maturity in effecting a peaceful transition of power,” said Kangaloo.

“The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our democracy and is critical to the country’s stability. When the transition is as smooth as this transition has been, it reflects the strength of our democracy and its institutions.”

CMC