“Everything is going to be alright.”
That’s the message from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, as she officially took the oath of office on Thursday afternoon.
During her first speech as Prime Minister for a second term, she assured the nation that following Monday’s General Election, supporters of all the various parties would be treated equally and fairly.
She reiterated the campaign slogan of the United National Congress (UNC) that “everybody wins.”
“I made a promise that everybody will win and I plan to fulfill that promise. On Saturday, we will swear in our full cabinet and next week we will outline our plans for the coming months. Six months from today, under a new UNC government, you will be in a safer and happier place in T&T. You will see what happens when a government cares.”
She said the next five years will be about “rebuilding hope and dignity,” noting that her plan is to rebuild the economy, diversify revenue streams, and renew hope.
But the Prime Minister had a stern message for her incoming MPs and Ministers, pointing out that if they treat citizens with callousness, their retribution would be “swift and brutal.”
“If you, as government reps, treat the citizens with love, I will reflect that love onto you. However, and I say this to my incoming government members, however, if you treat citizens with callousness, contempt, and corrupt ways, I guarantee you your retribution will be swift and brutal. Never, ever mistake my physical appearance or my kindness for weakness. I think you all know there is nothing more dangerous than a mother who believes her children are in danger. Everyone will be wise to remember that for the next five years.”
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar also dedicated her election win to the “forgotten people,” noting that “beyond the lighthouse in Port of Spain” is a country with real people.