Caption: President Christine Kangaloo presents newly-appointed Prime Minister Stuart Young with his instruments of appointment
By Prior Beharry
PRESIDENT Christine Kangaloo has appointed Stuart Young, SC, as Trinidad and Tobago’s new Prime Minister, citing constitutional obligations and the need for continuity following Dr Keith Rowley’s resignation.
In a detailed public statement released minutes after the swearing-in of Young on Monday, President Kangaloo outlined the legal framework guiding her decision.
She said Dr Rowley, who led the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), resigned via letter on March 12, effective midnight March 16, stating he was “no longer willing to accept the office.”
Under Section 76 of Trinidad and Tobago’s Constitution, the President is required to appoint a new Prime Minister when a vacancy arises.
She said, “Because the Constitution contemplates and requires that there shall be a Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and does not contemplate that there shall be no Prime Minister, upon the Honourable Dr. Keith Rowley M.P.’s resignation from that office as aforesaid, there arose occasion for the appointment of a Prime Minister.”
President Kangaloo noted that the PNM, holding a majority in the House of Representatives, confirmed Stuart Young as their new leader in the House through written declarations from 21 PNM MPs. Young, in turn, submitted his willingness to accept the role.
Citing Section 76(1)(a) of the Constitution, which mandates the appointment of a majority-supported leader, President Kangaloo stated her “deliberate judgment” aligned with the PNM’s endorsement of Young.
She said, “My task has been to appoint a Prime Minister… under the provisions of the Constitution, and this is what I have done.”
The PNM retains parliamentary control.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has said the appointment of Young was unconstitutional.
