Caption: Daniel Rasheed. Photo: T&T Parliament
By Sue-Ann Wayow
HISTORY was made in the Senate on Friday on two different occasions.
In the first instance, Daniel Rasheed, 25, was sworn in as temporary senator becoming the youngest person in Trinidad and Tobago to hold a senatorial position.
At the beginning of Friday’s Senate sitting, Senate President Wade Mark informed the house through correspondence from President Christine Kangaloo that senator and Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram was out of the country and Rasheed will act as a government senator in his place until Ratiram’s return.
Rasheed took his oath using the Bible.
He was immediately congratulated on his position by the United National Congress (UNC) National Youth Arm of which he is the chairman.
The UNC Youth Arm said it was a moment of pride for the Youth Arm and for young people across Trinidad and Tobago and attributed his appointment to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
“Her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to youth development continue to open doors for young leaders to contribute meaningfully to national service. Daniel’s appointment reflects the trust she places in the next generation and her commitment to creating a future led by youthful energy, innovation, and integrity,” the UNC Youth Arm said in a media release.
The release stated, “As Chairman of the UNC National Youth Arm, Daniel has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the values of our party. We are confident that he will bring the same passion and purpose to his role in the Senate.”
And in the second instance, visually impaired Alicia Lalite-Ettienne gave her maiden contribution to the Upper House as the debate for the repeal of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA) continued.
On Monday, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services Natalie Chaitan-Maharaj became the first parliamentary secretary to pilot a bill in the Upper House as she piloted the Children’s Life Fund (Amendment ) Bill which was eventually passed.
