(Trinidad Observer) Two months after the May 24 general election, T&T will return to the polls for local government elections on July 26, according to a declaration by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at Friday’s start of the parliamentary term. In an address climaxing Friday’s ceremonial opening of the Tenth Parliament, Persad-Bissessar said: “I promised during the election campaign we’d hold long overdue local government elections soon after we took office and it is, therefore, fitting that my first act and statement as Prime Minister here in Parliament be a fulfilment of that pledge and reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to democracy.
“In this context, I wish to advise it is my intention that local government elections will be held on 26th July, 2010,” she added. Much in the same way Persad Bissessar started off her own tenure with national chores on May 26, she launched Friday’s new term immediately with business by announcing the local government polls, which are four years overdue. The Parliament further buckled down to business, with the laying of legislation regarding recommendations for a new police commissioner and three deputy commissioners. Two of the proposed senior officers are foreigners.
Persad-Bissessar’s address to the Parliament came in a departure from tradition, since statements have not normally been made by Prime Ministers at the opening of a new term, Parliament officials confirmed on Friday. Persad-Bissessar’s address came after members of Parliament and presiding officers were sworn in and after President George Maxwell Richards also addressed a joint session of both Houses. Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning, seated as the last PNM MP in the line of seats, was also the final of the 41 MPs to take the oath of office. Manning was the only MP who did not shake Persad-BIssessar’s hand, as other PNM MPs did after they were sworn in. Instead, Manning lifted his hand in a slight wave as he passed the government MPs.
Manning, who maintained a pensive, distant mood throughout the function, declined to be interviewed after the ceremony. He stayed only briefly at the subsequent social function. During his stay, Manning nodded and smiled briefly with some people. On arriving, Manning shook hands with his successor, PNM political leader-designate and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley. Also shaking hands with Rowley and sharing a long conversation with him was former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday. PNM MP Donna Cox went over to shake Rowley’s hand first, before shaking hands with Persad-Bissessar and other government members. After formalities were completed at the end of the ceremony, Persad-Bissessar—dressed in a turquoise suit—addressed the gathering saying the government’s sole priority was to serve the people.
Persad-Bissessar said: “The holding of local government elections so soon after the general elections is a situation we have inherited… The life of the local government bodies expires on July 13. “My government intends to respect the rights of citizens to choose local representation when elections are due,” she said. “Local government is too important an institution to be deferred. “Local government elections will be called using the existing law, following which mechanisms will be implemented to effect further change. “Local government will also be reviewed and implemented and local government will also receive protection in the Constitution.” Speaking with reporters after, Persad- Bissessar explained the decision. “August is the month of school vacation and September is budget month and I did not want to wait all the way until the last week of October,” she said.
