Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s new Cabinet is to be sworn in at 4pm on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.
While the Prime Minister has not publicly revealed who will make up her Cabinet, Member of Parliament-Elect for Couva South, Barry Padarath, says her warning to incoming MPs and Ministers is a continuation of her term of office from 2010 to 2015 to hold officeholders accountable.
At Thursday’s Swearing-In Ceremony, the Prime Minister issued a stern warning to her incoming Members of Parliament and Ministers, noting that there will be a zero-tolerance approach.
“If you treat citizens with callousness, contempt, and corrupt ways, I guarantee you, your retribution would be swift and brutal. Never ever mistake my physical appearance or my kindness for weakness.”
Speaking to TTT News, Mr. Padarath said the statement was one of a no-nonsense approach by the Prime Minister, but he believes this time around there are more experienced people.
“I think this time around the incoming government headed by herself has had the experience of 2010 to 2015. We have learnt from some of the mistakes of the past and those things she spoke about at our final rally in Aranguez last Saturday. So we are a lot more experienced; I think we have a lot more candidates who are coming in possibly as government ministers.”
MP-Elect for St. Augustine, Khadijah Ameen, said she wasn’t surprised at Mrs. Persad-Bissessar’s statement, noting that she’s always been frank.
“Kamla Persad-Bissessar has never been afraid to read the riot act or to pull the whip on her members. In fact, she was the only Prime Minister who would have relieved Ministers of their duties in the past for mistakes and missteps, compared to others who would have swept these things under the carpet.”
Ms. Ameen also commented on whether she was tipped to be in the new Cabinet.
“Personally, I believe that whoever is called upon to serve, it is a reflection of the leadership of Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and their stewardship must reflect her leadership and policies. Personally, it does not matter to me where I have to serve, but I also know that the people of St. Augustine would continue to be my priority.”
Mr. Padarath said, though, that it’s not at the forefront of his mind.
“I remember in 1996 when Mr. Panday removed Mrs. Bissessar as Attorney General and she was asked the same question, and she said it’s the Prime Minister’s to give and the Prime Minister’s to take. You serve at the behest of the Prime Minister. So I’m just happy that we have brought the UNC into government.”
Mr. Padarath also commented on the move to select John Jeremie as Attorney General.
“When you heard Mr Jeremie speak on the first occasion, he mounted the UNC platform; he explained why he chose to come to the UNC. And Mr Jeremie didn’t just turn up in the UNC yesterday. He has been with us for quite a while. Many people don’t know that, but he has been with us for quite a while. He brings a tremendous amount of experience.”
Stay tuned to TTT, Talk City 91.1FM, Next 99.1FM, Sweet 100.1FM, and TTT Live Online for live coverage of the swearing-in ceremony for the new Cabinet.