PRIME Minister Stuart Young has called for unity and compassion in addressing bullying across Trinidad and Tobago.
He urged citizens, political leaders, and Cabinet members to prioritise sensitivity in their interactions.
The appeal came during his first post-Cabinet news conference on Thursday, where he faced questions about allegations that government ministers have engaged in bullying behaviour and his own unresolved historical accusations.
Young, who has faced scrutiny over a 33-year-old incident involving claims he bullied schoolmate Imran Khan during their teenage years, acknowledged the broader societal harm caused by such behaviour. “What has come out of this incident is that it has brought bullying to the forefront of conversation,” he said.
Young said, “I invite all of Trinidad and Tobago—colleagues, Cabinet members, political parties—to be more sensitive. We are all human beings, and our words and actions matter, especially to younger generations.”
Though the prime minister expressed regret for children impacted by bullying, he declined to directly apologise to Khan or confirm details of the decades-old dispute, calling it a “personal matter” with conflicting recollections.
“If the issue is bullying, I stand here today to say I am sorry for any child who has endured it,” he said. “But I will not water down how others feel about that specific incident. My focus is on addressing this issue moving forward.”
Young announced plans to tackle bullying through legislative action, particularly targeting cyberbullying and social media abuse. He revealed consultations are underway with experts to draft laws that hold anonymous online perpetrators accountable.
He said, “We cannot allow bots or individuals to bully our children into tragedy.”
Young also cited recent discussions with religious leaders about integrating anti-bullying measures into schools.
When pressed about ministers accused of bullying public servants, Young pivoted to his vision for national progress, stating his “26-hour-a-day focus” is on rebuilding Trinidad and Tobago.
However, he indirectly addressed his critics, referencing “cyberbullying” he endures from political opponents, including racially charged language. “As a public figure, I face bullying too,” he said. “But I take responsibility for my mistakes and will use this office to drive change.”
