Road Town, Tortola - Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, has congratulated Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the first female prime minister of the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, and the United National Congress (UNC) lead a coalition of the People’s Partnership to secure a majority combined win of 29 out of 41 seats at the polls on Monday.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, and the United National Congress (UNC) lead a coalition of the People’s Partnership to secure a majority combined win of 29 out of 41 seats at the polls on Monday.

In a congratulatory letter sent to the new Prime Minister Premier O’Neal said, “We also congratulate you on the UNC’s convincing win of 21 of the 23 contested seats and for winning your constituency. Your victory is a clear indication of the mandate the electorate of Trinidad and Tobago has given you to lead them in these challenging and unprecedented times. You have demonstrated a strong resolve to work for the people and they have responded positively by putting their confidence in your leadership.”

Premier O’Neal added, “I very much look forward to meeting you at the next CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting when I can offer my personal congratulations to you. Please extend our congratulations to your entire Cabinet for a successful term in office.”

The Virgin Islands is an associate member of CARICOM and participates in a number of regional programmes such as education, trade and commerce along with Trinidad and Tobago.