By Sue-Ann Wayow

POLITICAL leader of the United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad-Bissessar has officially been sworn in as the nation’s 9th Prime Minister.

She was sworn in on Thursday evening during a ceremony at the President’s House in St Ann’s.

And  John Jeremie, SC, was sworn in as the Attorney General.

Both received their oaths of office from President Christine Kangaloo.

Persad-Bissessar, clad in pink, received a standing ovation from the audience when she stood up to take her oath.

Persad-Bissessar’s husband Dr Gregory Bissessar, who was notably absent in the last of the campaign trail, was by her side for the swearing-in.

Lifting up the Constitution, Persad-Bissessar said, “I will bear true faith and allegiance to Trinidad and Tobago and will uphold the Constitution, this Constitution and the law, and I will conscientiously, impartially and to the best of my ability discharge my duties as Prime Minister and to do right to all manner of people without fear or favour or affection or ill will. I do swear by this Constitution.”

In her inaugural speech, Persad-Bissessar said her main duty was to love the citizens.

She dedicated her speech to the “forgotten people of the country,” especially those past the lighthouse in Port of Spain.

Persad-Bissessar said, “Beyond the lighthouse in Port of Spain, there is a country with real people. Real people with real feelings, dreams, and ambitions. We are people, too. this is our country, too. That is why I dedicate my term as Prime Minister to the forgotten people of this country.

She said her government begins a five-year term in which the “real people of T&T will be out at the forefront.”

Persad-Bissessar thanked God and the citizens for giving her another opportunity to serve.

“The campaign is over. You know our message of love, care and happiness. I thank you again for believing our message. I thank you will all my heart. My role as your newly elected prime minister is simple. It is to love you and to do everything possible to make you and your loved ones happy.”

She said after a decade, Trinidad and Tobago will now begin to sow seeds for generations to reap.

Persad-Bissessar said, “It is time we set Trinidad and Tobago on a right pathway where we cease to govern to simply win the next general election and instead govern to create wealth and opportunities for seven generations into the future.”

She added, “In these circumstances, we must do better, be more innovative, create meaningful opportunities, and do right by our people so that we all, united as a nation, and we can step then boldly into the future with confidence.”

“This day starts the journey to rebuild our economy, restore our security, revolutionise our access to technology, diversify our revenue streams and renewing our people’s hope, faith and confidence to propel our beloved  nation forward,” the Prime Minister said.

She said the highest priority will be to not just communicate with the citizens but to commune with them.

Persad-Bissessar pledged to always listen because she understands what it means to be forgotten.

“I will never be detached from your feelings and aspirations. I will never do my own thing while the country cries out for their needs. I will always be listening. I will be following you. You will be my priority.”

An emotional Persad-Bissessar spoke about how she felt as Leader of the Opposition for almost ten years.

“After demitting this office of the Prime Minister in 2015, for the last ten years, I was a woman scorned, a pariah to many, because in their eyes, I had nothing material to give.

“For ten years, my companionship was a photo of my mother and father hanging on the wall in my office and my husband and children and  indeed the loyal UNC rank and file members because they loved me for me and not just for what I could give. And then I have friends who came and never left.”

Persad-Bissessar repeated what she said on the campaign trail to her candidates that patriotism was ensuring that everybody will be treated fairly.

To her Government Members of Parliament yet to be sworn in she said, “If you, as government representatives, treat the citizens with love, I will reflect that love onto you. However, if you treat the citizens with callousness, contempt, and corrupt ways, I guarantee you retribution will be swift and brutal.”

Persad-Bissessar also warned, “Never mistake my physical appearance or my kindness for weakness. There is nothing more dangerous than a mother who believes her children are in danger. Everyone would be wise to remember that for the next five years.”

She said regardless or political affiliation, persons will be treated fairly.

Her Cabinet will be sworn in on Saturday and next week, she will outline the plans for the coming months.

“Six months from today, under a new UNC Government, you will live in a safer and happier Trinidad and Tobago. You will see what happens when a government cares. We will rebuild hope. We will rebuild dignity. We will rebuild Trinidad and Tobago person by person, community by community, heart by heart. Trinidad and Tobago is too blessed to be broken,” Persad-Bissessar promised.