Former prime minister Stuart Young (PNM PoS North MP) was absent from Parliament yesterday for debate on the controversial Prime Minister’s Pension (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
However, in a statement, Young telegraphed the fact that he would be absent as a form of protest of the move by Government.
In a statement posted on social media, Young said, “Since I entered politics as a temporary PNM opposition senator in March 2014, I have wanted to make sustainable, impactful and meaningful contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s growth and development. I did not enter politics for personal material benefit.
“The UNC Government has laid the Prime Minister’s Pension (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the House of Representatives for debate. This bill specifically targets me as former Prime Minister. The bill’s retroactive application to March 10, 2025 is constitutionally illegal as it is ‘ad hominem’ (a law that targets a specific individual).
“I will not support any ad hominem legislation and the abuse of the Constitution. As a matter of principle, it is my view that I should not participate in or be present for the parliamentary debate of this bill. Accordingly, I will not attend the parliamentary debate(s) on the bill.”
He added, “I will continue to serve T&T to the best of my ability and true to the oath that I have taken, without fear or favour, malice or ill will.”
Meanwhile, hours before the bill was debated, the Airports Authority of T&T posted the details of Young’s term as prime minister under a photo of him in the gallery of former prime ministers in the Piarco International Airport’s atrium. Although Young’s photo had been posted before yesterday, the details of the time he served as PM was missing.