BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – INFORMATION reaching SKNVibes states that Trinidad and Tobago has a new Government, following yesterday’s (Sept. 7) General Elections in the twin-island Republic.
The ruling coalition People’s Partnership (PP), led by the country’s first female Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, was ousted by the main Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) led by Dr. Keith Rowley.
According to reports, preliminary figures show that of the 41 seats, Dr. Rowley’s PNM had won 23 while Persad-Bissessar’s PP had to settle for 18, 11 seats less than what her party gained in the 2010 General Elections.
Speaking with media representatives following the preliminary results, Dr. Rowley reportedly thanked all those who contributed to the change in government.
“I want to thank all the people for the very hard work they did in bringing a successful end in what was a difficult election. I want to thank Trinidad and Tobago for demonstrating once again that we can conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the name Trinidad and Tobago.”
According to the Jarmaica Observer, the 66-year-old Rowley, who is one of the longest serving legislators, said that the election proceedings went down relatively smooth.
“Election Day had some challenges but at the end of the day, once again, I think we had a very successful operation and I am pleased to be in a position to say that the PNM has won the majority of the seats.
“We are confident that the country has been placed in good hands, we have prepared ourselves well, we expect that we will take the responsibilities of managing the affairs of all the people of Trinidad and Tobago in a way that will allow us all as a people to look at tonight as the beginning of a new era.”
Reportedly, in her concession speech, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar wished Rowley well and stated that she has no regrets.
The outgoing Prime Minister, whose five-year-plus term in office was marred by a series of high-profile Cabinet reshuffles, also reportedly said that she was “happy to be a citizen”.
Meanwhile, Austin Jack Warner, the controversial leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), failed to win Chaguanas East seat he switched to after successfully contesting the Chaguanas West seat in 2010 and 2013.
“I said win lose or draw it would be my last hurrah,” Warner said, adding that “it is a PNM victory and one for ILP”.
The Jamaica Observer also stated that Warner said his “greatest success” had been the failure of Persad Bissessar to win the election, adding “Kamla will never see government again in our collective lives”.
The official results are not expected until tomorrow as some votes are still being counted.
