By Sue-Ann Wayow

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, continues to make history in Trinidad and Tobago as the only female Prime Minister to have held the position twice.

This was acknowledged by President Christine Kangaloo as she spoke during the swearing in ceremony of Persad-Bissessar as Prime Minister on Thursday.

Kangaloo administered the oath of office to both Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General John Jeremie, SC.

The ceremony was held at the President’s House in St Ann’s.

Kangaloo said to Persad-Bissessar, “Your appointment is once again historic. You have now been appointed as Prime Minister for a second time. You are the only female in our country’s history to have been appointed Prime Minister and the only female to have occupied that office twice.”

Loud applause followed that statement.

“The occasion of this, your second prime ministerial appointment, is significant for women,” Kangaloo added.

She said, “This afternoon swearing in ceremony is also significant because it is the highest demonstration of our country’s democracy at work and of our country’s maturity in effecting a peaceful transition of power.”

She congratulated all who participated in the general election on Monday.

To the electorate she said, “You have spoken decisively through democratic process and have entrusted a new government with a clear mandate to lead our country forward.”

To Persad-Bissessar, she said, “As you and your Cabinet assume the mantle of governance, may our beautiful nation flourish and thrive, may our institutions be strengthened and may our people prosper.”

Attending the ceremony were several dignitaries including Chief Justice Ivor Archie, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Farley Augustine, outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives Brigid Annisette-George, outgoing Senate President Nigel De Frietas President of the Caribbean Court of Justice Adrian Saunders.

Persad-Bissessar first served as prime minister from 2010 to 2015.