Can Kamla Be PM Now?

By Prior Beharry

OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has the support of the majority of elected MPs and could therefore become the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

This is according to the political leader of the Progressive Empowerment Party, Phillip Edward Alexander, in a statement on Thursday.

He said, “Madame President, as Kamla Persad-Bissessar commands nineteen members compared to Stuart Young’s eleven and Pennelope Beckles’ nine, Kamla now commands the support of the majority of the House.

“Section 76(b) of the Constitution is clear.

“Madame President, appoint Kamla Persad-Bissessar as Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.”

Section 5 of the Constitution states: “Where there is occasion for the appointment of a Prime Minister, the President shall appoint as Prime Minister: (a) a member of the House of Representatives who is the Leader in that House of that party which commands the support of the majority of members of that House.”

The situation arose after it was revealed that the PNM caucus of MPs voted 11 to nine to have Energy Minister Stuart Young take over the prime ministership from Dr Keith Rowley, who announced he would step down before his term ends this year. Planning Minister Beckles received the nine votes.

However, reports in the media indicated that the majority of MPs were asked to sign an undated letter signaling support for Young as PM but were said to have refused, leaving the situation in limbo.

Even with the five so-called dissidents in the UNC, Persad-Bissesar will still have 14 MPs supporting her, so she will still command the majority, Alexander said.