By Sue-Ann Wayow

JANUARY 24, will always be a defining date for the United National Congress (UNC).

It is the day, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was elected as the party’s political leader, taking over from its founder and former prime minister Basdeo Panday, 16 years ago.

It would also be the prelude date to her becoming Trinidad and Tobago’s first female prime minister in May 2010 and many other firsts.

Saturday marked the 16th anniversary of Persad-Bissessar as political leader of the UNC and was not a day to be missed.

UNC’s Public Relations Officer Dr Kirk Meighoo in a statement said her election as UNC’s political leader was a defining moment not only in the history of the UNC, but in the political and social history of the entire nation.

She shattered a major political glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to lead a parliamentary political party in Trinidad and Tobago.

That milestone followed, and paved the way for, a remarkable sequence of historic firsts: the first woman Leader of the Opposition, the first woman Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and the first woman to serve as Chairperson-in-Office of the Commonwealth of Nations, Dr Meighoo recalls.

He said, “Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s leadership transformed the UNC from a political party into a durable national institution  one that is bigger than any single individual, rooted in democratic values, forwarding the struggle of workers, farmers and ordinary people against fake elites and the parasitic oligarchy, fighting for the development of all our people and capable of renewal and growth to dynamically adapt to the requirements of the times.”

Her leadership has brought dynamic, modern leadership to both party and government, revolutionising how politics was practised, how government served the people and how citizens were represented, Dr Meighoo added.

He said, “Her return to leadership represents the greatest political comeback in Trinidad and Tobago’s history achieved through dedication, principled conviction, hard work, and an unbreakable bond with the people.”

Now in her second term as prime minister, she has  undertaken the mammoth task of rescuing and transforming Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Meighoo said.

He said, “She does so with bravery and clarity of purpose, unafraid to confront entrenched elites, speaking frankly, acting boldly and governing with daring and vision, in the national interest.

“Kamla Persad-Bissessar remains an enduring inspiration to women, young people, and all citizens who believe in service, integrity, and the power of democratic leadership. I am proud and humbled to work alongside her and under her leadership.”

Dr Meighoo said on the 16th anniversary of Persad-Bissessar’s ascension to political leadership of the UNC, confidence was reaffirmed that the party was strong, renewed, and forward-looking and that Trinidad and Tobago’s future was bright.

Congratulations also came from others key members and government ministers.

Persad-Bissessar in a brief message on social media thanked all her supporters and those who would have sent anniversary wishes.

“Your continued support, encouragement and faith in our shared mission, means more to me than words can express. Together, we remain committed to building a stronger, fairer Trinidad and Tobago.”