Voters in Trinidad and Tobago have removed the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) from power. Electing the United National Congress (UNC) headed by Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Persad-Bissessar, 73, previously led the country from 2010 to 2015. She remains the only woman to have held the office of Prime Minister.
In a victory speech on Monday night (April 28), the Prime Minister-elect promised to fulfil campaign pledges. She reportedly said, “This victory is for the senior citizens to keep their pensions. This victory is for public servants to get their rightful salary increases. This victory is to reopen the children’s hospital. This victory is to once again give laptops to our children. This victory is to create over 50,000 jobs. And so, the victory is yours.”
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The PNM conceded shortly before her speech. In his concession speech, Party leader Keith Rowley said, “Tonight is not a good night for the PNM, but it might be a good night for Trinidad … it is clear at this time that we have lost the election.”
According to media reports, the Tobago People’s Party also saw major gains. Preliminary results show they unseated at least one PNM incumbent in Tobago.
The snap election followed Rowley’s resignation and Young’s appointment as prime minister. It was held amid rising living costs, gang violence, and public dissatisfaction. A state of emergency was declared on December 30 after a surge in gang-related killings. The country recorded 624 homicides in 2024.
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The UNC campaigned on crime reduction and pledged to create ministries of defence and justice.
The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago congratulated Persad-Bissessar and the UNC. “We look forward to collaborating closely with the incoming Prime Minister and her government … to build a resilient energy sector.”
The Caribbean Community also extended congratulations. “The decisive victory is a clear mandate from the people of Trinidad and Tobago… We look forward to welcoming Prime Minister-elect Persad-Bissessar to the Conference of Heads of Government.”
