Leaders across the Caribbean have extended warm congratulations to Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the United National Congress (UNC) following their reported victory in Trinidad and Tobago’s general election.
CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, was among the first to publicly commend the UNC on what she described as a moment affirming the strength of democracy in the region. In a statement posted on Facebook on Monday — which coincided with Barbados’ National Heroes Day — Mottley noted that the election result served as “a reminder of the enduring gift of democracy.”
“It is therefore a pleasure, on behalf of the government and people of Barbados, and as chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to extend warm congratulations to Prime Minister-designate, Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the United National Congress on their success,” Mottley said.
She also applauded the people of Trinidad and Tobago for their peaceful participation in the democratic process. “In a world where democracy is often tested, TT has shown that true strength lies in the commitment of its people to participation, fairness, and free expression,” she added.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica also issued a congratulatory statement, emphasizing the long-standing relationship between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. “Her success at the polls is an indication of the confidence of the people of Trinidad and Tobago in her leadership,” he said, while highlighting the potential for renewed collaboration in areas such as trade, security, and climate change.
Holness expressed Jamaica’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties: “Prime Minister-elect Persad-Bissessar’s electoral triumph heralds a renewed opportunity to deepen and broaden our collaboration… We extend best wishes for every success as she leads the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago into this new chapter of national development.”
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit echoed similar sentiments, referring to the UNC’s win as a “sweeping victory” that reflects public trust in Persad-Bissessar’s leadership and vision. Skerrit said Dominica looks forward to closer cooperation, noting that the win presents an opportunity for advancing both bilateral relations and regional goals within CARICOM.
According to preliminary results, the UNC secured 25 out of 41 constituencies in Monday’s general election, enough to declare a victory. The outcome signals a shift in governance and ushers in a new political chapter under the leadership of Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who previously served as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015.
