National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, one of the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) longest-serving members, was noticeably absent from the party’s presentation of all 41 candidates yesterday at Woodford Square in Port-of-Spain. The event was also a farewell to outgoing Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley as he delivered his final address as Prime Minister.
While Hinds announced last November that he would no longer be offering himself for representative politics after 30 years, his absence did not go unnoticed as the nation braces for a significant leadership transition with Stuart Young set to be sworn in as Prime Minister today.
Sources close to the party have described Hinds’ absence as “telling,” particularly amid growing speculation of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle under Young’s leadership.
There has been no official word on whether Hinds will retain his high-profile post. Guardian Media questioned Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales yesterday about Hinds’ absence, which he described as not being irregular.
“This is the presentation of candidates, Mr Hinds is not a candidate in the 2025 election, there is absolutely no need for him to be here so there is nothing to make out of.”
Guardian Media attempted to contact Hinds on the matter but efforts were unsuccessful.
—Jesse Ramdeo