The claims made against him by United National Congress (UNC) leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar have been denied by incoming Prime Minister Stuart Young, who stated that he will not be sidetracked. Additionally, he expresses his excitement in bringing all Trinidad and Tobago residents together.
Young stated in a recent interview with reporters, “The Leader of the Opposition and the UNC’s continued personalized attacks on my family and others are complete without merit.”
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Following Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s announcement that the PNM’s parliamentary caucus voted for Young to become prime minister following Rowley’s resignation, Persad-Bissessar responded angrily to Young during UNC’s cottage meeting in Chaguanas on January 6, 2025.
During the discussion, Persad-Bissessar raised concerns about Young’s leadership abilities and leveled accusations against Young’s brother and stepdaughter. When House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George chastised Young “for his unprecedented disrespect and abusive behavior” in Parliament last year, she claimed he showed “blatant contempt for citizens.” According to Persad-Bissessar, Young allegedly did so because he “hates” women. She urged women not to back him.
When discussing the decision earlier in the day, the UNC leader informed, “The PNM replaced a lazy, greedy, selfish old man with a lazy, greedy, selfish young man as its leader. Keith Rowley and Stuart Young did their best to make Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ impression and undemocratically anointed Young leader of the PNM and successor to prime minister before the next general elections.”
Rowley’s time as prime minister was also criticized by her, who said that he and Young had many traits. Young had “achieved nothing in the three ministries he served,” according to Persad-Bissessar, who also said that Rowley’s decision to “foisted” Young on T&T “is an affront and assault to T&T’s democracy” and the public, mimicking notorious tyrants. She stated that the electorate must elect the prime minister, not in a secret retreat.
But Young recently stated that the UNC leader was assaulting individuals.
Young stated, “The population is more sensible than to place any credence on these fabrications and their nasty attacks on people. I look forward to uniting all of our citizens who are committed and willing to build our country and to take it forward to realize its fullest potential.”
He added, “I will not be distracted by Mrs Persad-Bissessar and the UNC or any other detractor. I am certain that our citizens want delivery and results, and I look forward to working with ALL to ensure a better Trinidad and Tobago,” Young said.
Phillip Alexander of the Progressive Empowerment Party attended the cottage meeting, and Persad-Bissessar stated that the UNC will be working with other organizations for the elections. She also mentioned that when PEP commences screening on January 9, 2025, the UNC will collaborate with it.
According to UNC deputy political leader Jearlean John, the PNM “handed UNC” the election. She chastised Rowley by adding, “They change their theme song from ‘Let’s Do This’ to ‘Small Pin Does Chook Hard.’
Adding, “He’s afraid of the licking coming. We’ve already run him out of town. We’ll take on bully number two.”
According to Wayne Sturge, a candidate for Toco/Sangre Grande, the “one percent now had their man in OPM.”
