DAREECE POLO
Senior Reporter
dareece.polo@guardian.co.tt
As Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley prepares to leave office, his final acts are under intense public scrutiny. From major infrastructure projects to legislative decisions, his administration is marking the “practical completion” of key initiatives across various sectors.
On Monday, Rowley commissioned the Port-of-Spain General Hospital’s Central Block—a 540-bed facility built at a cost $1.3 billion. This is one of two major projects he pledged to complete before stepping down, with the new ANR Robinson International Airport terminal set to be his final act on Saturday, just one day before his resignation takes effect.
During the commissioning of Lisa Morris-Julian Boulevard on February 26, Rowley outlined his last days in office, intertwining the late D’Abadie/O’Meara MP’s legacy with his own. Acknowledging the ongoing demands of governance, he admitted: “Planning and executing national projects is like a conveyor belt that is loaded and operating because as fast as you take off what comes to you at the end of the belt, another one appears.”
Beyond grand openings—including the Grand Chemin Fishing Facility on January 31—controversy surrounded Rowley’s decision to hand over leadership to Energy Minister Stuart Young, a move facing scrutiny.
During a Cabinet retreat in Tobago, Rowley revealed that a straw poll had been conducted, resulting in Young’s selection over Planning and Development Minister Pennelope Beckles-Robinson.
Amid speculation of discontent within the People’s National Movement (PNM), general secretary Foster Cummings publicly affirmed on January 12 that Young—who was present at the time—had the party’s full support.
Rowley is now the first T&T Prime Minister to voluntarily resign without political pressure while personally overseeing his successor’s selection.
While political scientist Professor Hamid Ghany, attorney Larry Lalla and former House Speaker Nizam Mohammed debated the constitutionality of this transition, the final decision ultimately rests with the President.
While experts weigh the legality of Rowley’s decision, public criticism mounted over his acceptance of a salary increase for politicians, judicial officers, and other public servants—clearing the way for him to receive $1 million in backpay.
“I have no fear of accepting the recommendations of the SRC (Salaries Review Commission) if that is to be my legacy,” Rowley told reporters on November 28. “I bare that cross without fear of retribution.”
Rowley’s final days also saw him taking a firm stance on regional crime. At the 48th Regular Meeting of Caricom Heads of Government in Barbados, he proposed classifying indiscriminate public shootings as acts of terrorism.
On the national front, he moved to strengthen security by commissioning two out of four state-of-the-art port scanners at the Port of Port-of-Spain on February 25, with the remaining two set for Point Lisas.
Months prior, on December 30, a State of Emergency was imposed.
Economically, with the Dragon gas deal facing uncertainty under US President Donald Trump, then-acting Prime Minister Young announced on February 27 that Oando PLC had been selected as the preferred bidder for the Guaracara Refinery.
In legislative matters, Rowley oversaw the removal of Christopher Columbus’ ships from the Coat of Arms. On February 24, the President approved replacing them with the steelpan, marking a historic shift in the country’s national symbols.
However, he fell short of granting Tobago full autonomy. On December 9, Parliament passed the Tobago Island Government Bill 2021, but the required three-fourths majority was not met for the Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago Self-Government) Bill, 2020, effectively stalling Tobago’s push for greater independence.
Did his final acts count?
Political analyst Derek Ramsamooj said Rowley’s final acts focus on improving national well-being.
He noted Rowley’s legacy would be judged on how he managed the economy during global crises, including trade wars and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Let’s be clear, we have had no one dismissed or lose their jobs during the period of COVID, as well as the economic decline, especially with public officials. We have to understand the geopolitics of our society now. No one anticipated this level of global volatility led by the US President and his political preferences, but that does not take away the fact that we still need revenue to pay salaries and to keep jobs engaged in both the private and public sectors.”
Another scientist, Maukesh Basdeo, argued that Rowley’s legacy is tied to the entire Government.
“Well, it’s difficult to say that you can separate the policies enunciated and put into effect by Dr Rowley as against what you call Cabinet. History will be able to judge him clearly, and the legacy that he leaves will now fall squarely on the shoulders of Minister Young. As he rallied over the last few months of this executive in office, how the country remembers Dr Rowley will be clearly indicated in the general election.”
On the ground, Tacarigua resident Barbara Yeates praised his service.
“At least he has left a legacy. He didn’t just sit there, gossip, and waste time, and when you look at his bank account, it doesn’t have anything stating that he steals.”
Barataria homemaker Emily Roberts-Gibson, however, questioned the timing of his actions.
“I think that he should have done it sooner than later… Because why wait until you’re leaving? Why not do it as soon as you get in?”