….will not seek re-election
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, announced today (Jan.3) that he will resign from office ahead of the upcoming elections and will not seek re-election to any leadership position.
This decision follows months of speculation regarding his future in politics and his leadership of the People’s National Movement (PNM), with elections scheduled for later this year.
Addressing the media in a news conference on Friday, Dr. Rowley stated, "So I'm here with my colleagues this weekend, and one of the things that they will be told is that I will not be offering myself again to represent anyone, either in Trinidad or in Tobago. 45 years is a long time.."
Dr. Rowley reflected on his lengthy political career, noting that over the years, he has mentored many young individuals who have entered politics. He believes it is now time for the younger generation to step up.
“When I announced the PNM victory in Balise House, I said to this country, I will not be doing that again. And I meant it, and I've kept it. I've also said that I've brought into the political arena a number of young people who had served at that time one term.
He continued: “Many of them are still in government, about to complete their second term, experienced, some of them with nine or ten years approximately of service in the government. So the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago have a cadre of people, mainly young people, who came into public service with all its warts and have prepared themselves to take this country forward."
While confirming his resignation, Dr. Rowley also took the opportunity to reflect on his leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career, especially since he began representing the people of Diego Martin.
In the coming months, nominations will open for his party’s representative for the district as they prepare for elections, which could take place as early as August.
