United National Congress (UNC) leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to be sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s ninth prime minister by tomorrow, according to plans so far, say UNC officials.
Party officials have been working with the Office of the Prime Minister and President’s House on the swearing-in function. This follows the UNC’s victory in Monday’s General Election, where the People’s National Movement (PNM) lost just under half of its former 22 seats to the UNC and Tobago People’s Party (TPP).
Also to be sworn in will be an attorney general. Both offices together form the cornerstone of the Cabinet.
Names being speculated for the post of attorney general include attorney Devesh Maharaj, who won Aranguez/St Joseph for the UNC, and former PNM attorney general John Jeremie, SC, who has been on the party’s platform. Five of UNC’s successful candidates in Monday’s election are attorneys.
Before finalising the swearing-in of Persad-Bissessar, the UNC was yesterday awaiting the conclusion of three recounts requested for seats which the PNM won. The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) said these were Arouca/Lopinot (won by Marvin Gonzales), Malabar/Mausica (won by Dominic Romaine), and San Fernando East (Brian Manning).
UNC officials said the procedure was that election results are sent to the Speaker of the House for submission to the President, who then invites the prime minister-elect to take the oath of office. They, however, noted it might not have been necessary to await the outcome of the recounts, since the UNC already has 26 seats.
Since Monday’s victory, speculation has been rife on who will form the Cabinet and be appointed to the Government’s 16 Senate positions.
Sources tipped energy transition specialist Dr Randy Ramadhar Singh for the Energy Ministry. Speculation is on UNC Chief Operations Officer Dr Tim Gopeesingh or former senate leader Wade Mark for Senate president.
During the last term, UNC MPs were appointed to shadow PNM ministers’ portfolios. As a result, speculation has centred on whether Barry Padarath, the Couva South winner, will be appointed Minister of Public Utilities or Foreign Affairs, and whether he might also take on responsibilities within the Office of the Prime Minister.
UNC officials tipped Oropouche West winner Dr Lackram Bodoe to head the Health Ministry, with Naparima’s Dr Narendra Roopnarine and Caroni East MP-elect Dr Rishad Seecheran.
Two finance ministers are expected. It is uncertain if Fyzabad winner Dave Tancoo–UNC’s finance spokesman–will be in that ministry.
Tipped for the Home Affairs, Defence and Justice Ministries, which the National Security Ministry will be divided into, are Oropouche East winner Roodal Moonilal (who shadowed National Security) and Tunapuna winner Roger Alexander. Congress of the People (COP) leader Prakash Ramadhar’s name has also been heard in connection with this sector.
Barataria/San Juan winner Saddam Hosein is tipped for security, as well as the Legal Affairs division. San Fernando West winner Dr Michael Dowlath–a retired educator–is expected to be appointed to Education.
Economist Indira Sagewan is being tipped for the Trade or Foreign Affairs Ministry. There’s speculation about Khadijah Ameen, the St Augustine winner, in the Local Government sector where she has “roots.”
Chaguanas East winner Vandana Mohit is tipped for the Social Development Ministry. Couva North MP Jearlean John is expected to be appointed to either the Housing or Works ministry. Tipped for Finance or Labour is ex-MP Rudy Indarsingh (who was a minister in Finance in 2010).
Toco/Sangre Grande winner Wayne Sturge (an attorney) said during the campaign he did not want to be a minister, as he preferred to be a full-time MP to bring the constituency up to par. But his name has arisen in the area of security.
Former PP energy minister Kevin Ramnarine, Caroni Central winner David Lee and Mayaro’s Nicholas Morris are all the focus of speculation on energy sector posts. Moruga’s Michelle Benjamin is tipped for the Youth Development portfolio.
UNC officials expect the 16 Senate positions will include representatives from UNC’s coalition partners, including the Public Services Association, Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union, Seamen and Waterfront Workers. Trade Union, the People’s Empowerment Party, COP and Love Movement.
The community and culture sectors and the proposed Ministry of Artificial Intelligence are expected to be headed by people from such spheres who supported UNC’s campaign.
On Monday, Persad-Bissessar signalled openness to the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) being part of her government. However, TPP officials did not reply yesterday on whether they were open to the offer and if any conditions may be placed on it.
Certain former MPs who were not selected to contest are also tipped to be appointed ambassadors.