By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago has extended congratulations to Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
On its official Facebook page on Wednesday, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team in Trinidad and Tobago posted out a brief congratulatory message to Persad-Bissessar and the United National Congress (UNC) on their astounding victory in the general election.
“We acknowledge the people of Trinidad and Tobago and their commitment to the democratic process and a peaceful transition of power. The United Nations Team is looking forward to building a close partnership, focusing on the long-term development priorities of the country,” the UN posted.
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali also issued congratulations.
He posted, “On behalf of the Government and People of Guyana, I would like to congratulate Prime Minister-elect of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, on her victory in Monday’s general elections.
“Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago share a strong friendship, both at the bilateral level and within CARICOM. I, therefore, look forward to our continued collaboration to strengthen our relations and work towards our shared goals of advancing regional integration, economic development and the well-being of the people our region.”
And the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine campus is looking forward to depending ties with Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar, a past university graduate.
On Wednesday, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the St Augustine campus extended congratulations to Persad-Bissessar following her massive victory at the polls on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of the campus community and in her personal capacity, Prof Antoine lauded Persad-Bissessar’s historic return to office, noting that she is Trinidad and Tobago’s first and only female Prime Minister and has once again etched her name into the annals of the nation’s political legacy.
Emphasising the deep and vital partnership between the campus and the government, Professor Antoine also stated in a media release, “The St. Augustine campus, as a proud partner in national development and a major contributor to the intellectual and social advancement of our twin-island Republic, warmly congratulates Prime Minister-elect Persad-Bissessar.
“The campus notes her stated goals of enhanced inclusiveness, sustainability and greater social equity, important strategic objectives of the UWI. Her election provides a renewed opportunity for deeper collaboration between the UWI and the government of Trinidad and Tobago, our largest contributor and most valued stakeholder.”
Prof Antoine also expressed pride that yet another UWI graduate will be assuming a position of distinguished leadership in the country.
She noted that the UWI has long been the intellectual and leadership engine of the Caribbean, having produced the vast majority of the region’s political leaders, alongside an expansive network of global changemakers – heads of state, global thought leaders, scientists, creatives and entrepreneurs who are advancing the region and making their mark on the Caribbean and beyond.
Addressing the prime minister-elect, she said: “Our country is at a pivotal moment. We, along with the rest of the world, face complex and interconnected challenges. As we look with hope to the future, armed with a wealth of expertise, the UWI stands ready to expand our collaboration and support your government through bold, strategic and evidence-based contributions to education policy, youth development, food security, technological advancement, citizen security, research and innovation. We are confident that with your experience and vision this will be a winning partnership for continued progress.
“The UWI St Augustine looks forward to working closely with your incoming administration to advance a strong platform and a shared agenda of genuine social and economic development for our beloved nation of Trinidad and Tobago.”
