By Prior Beharry
NEWLY-appointed Prime Minister Stuart Young says Trinidad and Tobago heads into a “new chapter” with his appointment.
In his inaugural address as prime minister, he said, “We have built a strong and solid foundation on which to stand, and together, we together, we can go even further. Together, we begin to write a ‘New Chapter’.
“Together we can and will move forward. Together, we can truly take hold of our destiny. Together, we can achieve all that we need to create the future we all deserve.”
He was sworn-in by President Christine Kangaloo at President’s House in St Ann’s just after 10 am on Monday.
Former planning and development minister Camille Robinson Regis was sworn in as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. The rest of the Cabinet will be sworn in at 3 pm on Monday.
Young admitted that T&T has a problem with crime.
He said, “Our work begins right now. I will work tirelessly, with each and every single citizen who wants to be a part of this journey, to create a safer, stronger, and prosperous Trinidad and Tobago.
“To take on crime so that everyone feels safe and secure in their own neighbourhoods. To fuel our innovation, creativity, and culture to drive economic transformation where every single citizen can chart their own destiny.
“To ensure that young people have a seat at the table to shape the future that they will inherit. A future where no dream is too big. A future with more ‘well paying jobs’, a more affordable life, and a more prosperous Trinidad and Tobago for generations to come. It will not be an easy journey but it is one that working together we will be able to achieve these goals.”
Young said he studied law to serve the people of T&T.
He said, “My parents, Richard and Prescilla Young, taught me to always work hard, serve others, and to take on injustices when I had the power to make a difference.
“That’s why I studied law and served the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Whether fighting corruption or powerful corporations on behalf of workers, like the steelworkers, fighting for the many unions I represented, or fighting for the dignity of communities like McKai in my constituency who lacked basic amenities like clean running water when I first took office, or negotiating on our nation’s behalf against those who would jeopardise our energy revenue, or working tirelessly to keep all of our citizens safe and secure without jeopardizing our economic future during the darkest days of the pandemic, it has been my life’s work to fight for the people of this Nation.
“And at every step, I have born witness to what we can achieve when we fight together.”
He spoke about the cultural diversity of Trinidad and Tobago.
Young said, “As I speak, our Christian brothers and sisters are observing Lent… Our Muslim brothers and sisters are engaged in the holy month of Ramadan… Our Hindu brothers and sisters have just celebrated Phagwa, and will soon be entering the sacred period of Navratri – all while we prepare to commemorate Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day and Eid-ul-Fitr with our respective brothers and sisters.
“These sacred religious observances follow the spectacular expression of our unique culture, creativity, resilience, and history that is Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival.
“Nowhere else in the world exists such a profound and dynamic blend of cultural and religious diversity… that not only coexists, but thrives, shapes and strengthens our collective national identity.”
Young was appointed after Dr Keith Rowley has decided to retire from active politics.
