Persad Bissessar sworn in for 2nd time as Trinidad PM

By Peter Richards

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC)– Seventy-three-year-old 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 and Tobago on two separate occasions.

Persad Bissessar, a senior counsel, who was first sworn in 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 (UNC) coalition of interest group 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 (PNM) 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 are held by women, with the opposition leader being Pennelope Beckles.

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

Persad Bissessar said that her Cabinet will be sworn into office on Saturday and 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 told the ceremony.

The prime minister 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 “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,” she said, saying “I see you, every single one”.

She said that whether the people are of various political affiliations, “I see you (and) you will be treated equally and fairly.

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

She has promised that six months into her administration’s term in office, “you will be in a safer and happier place T&T, you will see what happens 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.

Persad Bissessar said she is aware that her coalition government has to be “inclusive, strategic, dedicated and focused”, saying “this day starts the journey to rebuild our economy, to restore our security, to revolutionise our access to technology, diversify our revenue streams and renew out people’s hope, faith and confidence to propel our beloved nation forward.

“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”.

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 (TPP), whose leader and Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Chavez Augustine, was among the invited guests at the ceremony.

In her brief address to the occasion, President Kangaloo congratulated Persad Bissessar for being “historic” in becoming the first woman to be elected to head a government on two occasions.

“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.

“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.”

Kangaloo said she wanted to congratulate all the citizens of the country who took part in the democratic process that has led to the election of a new government, adding “your participation in that process is at one at the same time both the foundation and the realisation of our democratic principles.

“You have spoken decisively through a democratic process and have entrusted a new government with a clear mandate to lead our country forward,” she said.