STATEMENT Inaugural Address The Honourable Stuart R. Young, SC Prime Minister of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Inaugural Address The Honourable Stuart R. Young, SC

Prime Minister of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

My fellow citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,

It is truly an honour to stand here today, not just as Prime Minister of this great nation, but at a pivotal moment where our Nation’s rich diversity offers us a powerful way forward – a ‘New Chapter’ for Trinidad and Tobago.

I believe in Trinidad and Tobago and I believe in us, as a people.

As I speak, our Christian brothers and sisters are observing Lent… Our Muslim brothers and sisters are engaged in the holy month of Ramadan… Our Hindu brothers and sisters have just celebrated Phagwa, and will soon be entering the sacred period of Navratri – all while we prepare to commemorate Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day and Eid-ul-Fitr with our respective brothers and sisters.

These sacred religious observances follow the spectacular expression of our unique culture, creativity, resilience, and history that is Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival.

Nowhere else in the world exists such a profound and dynamic blend of cultural and religious diversity… that not only coexists, but thrives, shapes and strengthens our collective national identity.

It is this very foundation –  our national unity –  built on respect, inclusion, and shared purpose – along with our fighting spirit –  that I believe holds the power to propel our Nation forward.

It is also the very foundation that shaped a boy born on Upper Henry Street in Port of Spain into the person who stands before you today as Prime Minister.

My parents, Richard and Prescilla Young, taught me to always work hard, serve others, and to take on injustices when I had the power to make a difference. That’s why I studied law and served the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Whether fighting corruption or powerful corporations on behalf of workers, like the steelworkers, fighting for the many unions I represented, or fighting for the dignity of communities like McKai in my constituency who lacked basic amenities like clean running water when I first took office, or negotiating on our Nation’s behalf against those who would jeopardize our energy revenue, or working tirelessly to keep all of our citizens safe and secure without jeopardizing our economic future during the darkest days of the pandemic, it has been my life’s work to fight for the people of this Nation.  And at every step, I have born witness to what we can achieve when we fight together.

The challenges of the past have tested our resilience, but they have also revealed the depth of our strength, purpose, and our fighting spirit.  The fights before us demand unity, collaboration, and decisive action.  Trinidad and Tobago’s greatness rests not only in the hands of any one leader or government, but lies in the hands, hearts, and minds of each and every citizen, as they are empowered to equally contribute and benefit in this place we call our home.

As we begin this new chapter together, this is my commitment to you, I will lead with integrity, inclusion, and accountability.  We will harness our unique strengths, diversity, and aspirations to build a future where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. We will put aside differences, leverage our collective experiences and expertise, and champion the necessary reforms to transform and strengthen our Nation and uplift all our people.  I will work together with you, across Trinidad and Tobago, with each and every citizen, on the way forward.

Our work begins right now. I will work tirelessly, with each and every single citizen who wants to be a part of this journey, to create a safer, stronger, and prosperous Trinidad and Tobago.  To take on crime so that everyone feels safe and secure in their own neighbourhoods. To fuel our innovation, creativity, and culture to drive economic transformation where every single citizen can chart their own destiny.  To ensure that young people have a seat at the table to shape the future that they will inherit.  A future where no dream is too big. A future with more ‘well paying jobs’, a more affordable life, and a more prosperous Trinidad and Tobago for generations to come. It will not be an easy journey but it is one that working together we will be able to achieve these goals.

We have built a strong and solid foundation on which to stand, and together, we together, we can go even further.  Together, we begin to write a ‘New Chapter’.

Together we can and will move forward.  Together, we can truly take hold of our destiny.  Together, we can achieve all that we need to create the future we all deserve.

I take this opportunity to thank Dr Keith Rowley and his family for ALL that he has done for Trinidad and Tobago. We are grateful.

Fellow citizens, I look forward to working with you all, together.  May God bless you all, and may God bless the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.