Energy Minister Stuart Young is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on March 17, following Dr. Keith Rowley’s resignation. Young’s appointment will take place at President’s House, St Ann’s, the day after Rowley officially steps down at midnight on March 16.
The ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) is expected to present its candidates for the upcoming general election at Woodford Square on March 16. However, it remains uncertain whether Rowley will announce the election date before stepping down or leave the decision to Young.
Rowley previously announced his retirement from electoral politics on January 6 and confirmed Stuart Young as his successor at a parliamentary retreat in Tobago. Despite stepping down as Prime Minister and not seeking re-election as Diego Martin West MP, Rowley will remain the PNM political leader until the party selects a new leader at its convention on September 28.
Legal questions surround transition
Rowley’s resignation before calling the general election is unprecedented, and government sources acknowledge potential legal challenges regarding the interpretation of Section 76 of the Constitution. Some argue that since Rowley remains PNM leader, he should be the one to call the election, while others contend that Stuart Young, as the Prime Minister supported by the majority of government MPs, has the authority to do so.
Legal opinions on this matter are divided. Senior attorney Larry Lalla, SC, has stated that the Constitution allows for a Prime Minister to be separate from the party leader. Conversely, UWI political scientist Dr. Hamid Ghany argues that Young cannot legally serve as Prime Minister while Rowley remains PNM leader.
Despite these debates, officials say there can be no legal challenge to President Christine Kangaloo’s appointment of Young as Prime Minister, as the Constitution bars challenges to presidential decisions on this matter. A letter signed by 20 government MPs endorsing Young will be sent to President Kangaloo on March 17 to confirm his appointment.
Trinidad election preparations underway
The PNM has finalized 40 of its 41 candidates for the upcoming election, with only the Tabaquite constituency awaiting a nominee. Rowley has indicated that his resignation follows the completion of key national projects, including the opening of the new Central Block at Port of Spain General Hospital on March 10 and the Arthur NR Robinson International Airport on March 15.
As the transition unfolds, political analysts and opposition members are closely watching the PNM’s next moves, with speculation over possible legal disputes and the timing of the general election announcement.
