Trinidad and Tobago’s new president sworn into office

Retired jurist Paula-Mae Weekes was sworn in Monday as Trinidad and Tobago’s first female President. She called on citizens not to allow her” to walk alone” as she sought a new light for the country during her term in office.

Weekes, 59, also indicated that she wanted to be known as a “humble first servant with a mandate to render service with enthusiasm” and was assuming office aware of the ills facing the country.

She told the audience that included outgoing President Anthony Carmona, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley at the open-air ceremony at the Queen’s Park Savannah on the outskirts of the capital, that she herself had been witness to some of those ills including the theft of her vehicles and having to wait long periods with family members for healthcare.

In addition, she also made it clear that she was aware of the troubles being experienced on the sea bridge between the Trinidad and Tobago.

Weekes - the sixth President of Trinidad and Tobago since the island attained its Republican status in 1976, told the audience that she never allowed such obstacles to prevent her from moving forward and she counting on the entire country to shine a light that would pave the way for a better future.