Mickela Panday asserts Trinidad and Tobago requires true leadership change as Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley prepares to retire, making way for Stuart Young. She calls for transparency and accountability, emphasizing genuine transformations over mere leadership swaps. Significant cabinet changes are anticipated following Young’s swearing-in, with potential shifts in ministerial roles and positions within the government.
Mickela Panday, the leader of the Patriotic Front, emphasizes the need for substantive change in Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership, rather than a mere exchange of power among politicians. She made this statement on March 15, a day prior to Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s retirement, which paves the way for Energy Minister Stuart Young to assume the position.
In a Facebook statement, Panday remarked, “Today as our nation stands at the threshold of a new era, with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley set to retire in less than 24 hours, we, the Patriotic Front, call on every Trinidadian and Tobagonian to choose genuine transformation over a mere exchange of faces.” She criticized the historical pattern of leadership swaps that fail to address the daily struggles of citizens.
Panday stressed the critical need for real change, advocating for leadership that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and transformative reforms focused on the welfare of workers, businesses, and communities. She asserted, “Now is the time to break these chains,” indicating that the Patriotic Front aims to measure progress by the well-being of its citizens rather than the rotation of political leaders.
Dr. Rowley’s announcement to retire from electoral politics was made on January 6, with Stuart Young named as his successor during a parliamentary retreat. Following a PNM general council meeting, party general secretary Foster Cummings confirmed strong support for Young among PNM MPs, with plans for a convention on September 28 to elect Rowley’s successor after he has led the party since 2010.
Rowley officially declared March 16 as his last day in office, coinciding with the PNM’s presentation of its election candidates at a convention in Port of Spain. Both Rowley and Young are expected to deliver addresses at this event, amid speculation regarding Rowley’s potential resignation as the PNM’s political leader.
Upon stepping down as Prime Minister, Rowley will not seek re-election for his Diego Martin West constituency, handing the party’s nomination to Hans Des Vignes. Young will be sworn in as Prime Minister on March 17 at the Office of the President, in a ceremony that will include all PNM MPs and senators.
Under Section 76 of the Constitution, Young’s inauguration will allow him to make cabinet changes thereafter, which raises questions about his retention in the energy portfolio. Speculation also surrounds possible cabinet reconfigurations, such as Finance Minister Colm Imbert potentially succeeding Young as energy minister, and the future of Attorney General Reginald Armour and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds remains uncertain as well.
In summary, Mickela Panday advocates for substantial leadership change in Trinidad and Tobago, urging citizens to seek genuine transformation rather than superficial leadership exchanges. As the nation prepares for Stuart Young’s ascension to Prime Minister following Rowley’s retirement, the focus will likely shift to cabinet changes and the vision for future governance. The upcoming political developments will be crucial in determining the direction and priorities for the country.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
