ALL 21 Members of Parliament from the People’s National Movement (PNM), including Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley have pledged their support for Stuart Young to become the next prime minister.
This will happen upon the resignation of Dr Keith Rowley who has not yet revealed the date of his departure as head of government.
This unanimous backing was formalised at a PNM General Council meeting at Balisier House in Port of Spain on Saturday following a week of internal deliberations.
The decision comes after a retreat in Tobago, where Young initially received the endorsement of 11 MPs, compared to nine for contender Arima MP Pennelope Beckles.
Initially, eight MPs hesitated to sign the support document, leading to a temporary impasse. However, Dr Rowley emphasised unity and addressed concerns of potential discord, urging MPs to honour their commitment to the party’s decision.
General Secretary Foster Cummings confirmed the party’s unified stance, stating, “We are united behind Minister Young and will continue to give him support to ensure a smooth transition.” Young, echoing the sentiment of unity, said, “Team PNM will present a strengthened front to the population.”
Young said that the signed document was a “confirmation of agreement” from the Tobago retreat, not a resignation letter. While no date for Rowley’s resignation has been set, Young assured that the transition plan is “signed, sealed, and delivered.”
San Fernando West MP Faris Al-Rawi called the decision historic noting the breaking of a “racial glass ceiling,” as Young, a non-African, is poised to lead the PNM government.
The meeting concluded without motions concerning the party’s political leadership, reaffirming Rowley’s current role.
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