Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley has announced his resignation as Political Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM), completing his withdrawal from political life after a decade at the helm of government and the party.
Rowley confirmed the move during a General Council meeting of the PNM on Wednesday, stating that the resignation would take effect on Thursday, May 1. It follows the party’s defeat in Monday’s general elections, where the opposition United National Congress (UNC) led by Kamla Persad Bissessar secured a commanding victory.
“On January 6, 2025, I indicated my intention to step down as Political Leader of the People’s National Movement, with the party holding a convention to elect a new Political Leader in September,” Rowley wrote in a statement posted to Facebook. He noted that although his legal term as leader runs until 2026, he had opted for an earlier departure following internal consultations.
“In March, on my last day in office as Prime Minister, I informed the country that… it was my intention to vacate this position at the earliest opportunity,” he said. “Today, I will address the General Council and tender my resignation as Political Leader… This completes my disengagement—first from the Government (March 16, 2025), and finally, from the party (May 1, 2025).”
Keith Rowley expressed gratitude to the party and the people of Trinidad and Tobago, stating, “I offer my sincere thanks for the opportunity to be of service in the various offices. I extend my best wishes to the PNM and the nation.”
The PNM is expected to name the next Opposition Leader from among its 13 elected Members of Parliament.
Meanwhile, Kamla Persad Bissessar, 73, will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Thursday, following her United National Congress-led coalition’s sweeping win at the polls. A statement from the Office of the President said the swearing-in ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. on May 1 and presided over by President Christine Kangaloo.
This marks Persad Bissessar’s return to the nation’s top political office. In 2010, she made history as the first woman to become Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. She will now also become the oldest person to hold the position.
The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) reported a 54 per cent voter turnout, with the UNC winning 26 out of the 41 constituencies. The PNM took 13 seats, while the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) secured two.
The UNC has also requested recounts in three constituencies. The EBC emphasized that the results remain provisional until the recounts are completed and results validated. A total of 1,153,850 citizens were eligible to vote in the general election, which featured 161 candidates from 17 political parties and three independents.
Persad Bissessar is expected to announce her Attorney General appointment on the day of her swearing-in, signaling the start of a new administration as the country transitions into a new chapter.
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