1 week Ago By [email protected] (Vishanna Phagoo)
FOLLOWING Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s announcement that he intends to step down from office before the end of this term, after decades of service to the nation, business chamber heads are eager to know who will succeed him. Rowley made the announcement yesterday during a news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, Central Administrative Services Tobago, which he convened to address matters related to the ongoing state of emergency. TAKEN ABACK: President of the Tobago Division of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce Curtis Williams.
Chaguanas Chamber of Commerce president Baldath Maharaj said Rowley’s decision to step down marks a definitive change of the guard in T&T’s political landscape, signalling the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the country. “As the nation prepares for this transition, the Chamber is hopeful for a fresh approach to leadership that prioritises economic diversification, crime reduction, and infrastructure development. We urge the incoming leadership to place significant focus on fostering innovation, empowering small and medium enterprises, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive,” said Maharaj in a WhatsApp exchange with the Express yesterday.
Maharaj added that this moment represents a unique opportunity for T&T to embrace change and chart a new course for progress, and he hopes for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to address long-standing challenges, including improving safety and security for all citizens. Also anticipating the appointment of the next leader was T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce chief executive officer Vashti Guyadeen who reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to working collaboratively with the next leader to advance T&T’s progress. “After 45 years of dedicated service in politics and enduring personal loss, including the passing of two siblings, it is understandable that he may wish to spend more time with his family.
The T&T Chamber admires and acknowledges his significant contributions over the years, and we extend our best wishes to him as he considers his future,” she said in response to questions by the Express. President of the San Juan Business Association Abrahim Ali stressed that the economy is in a terrible state that is extremely difficult to bring back. In an interview with the Express, he stressed, “When you look carefully at where this country has reached, one will understand the decision of Dr Rowley to step aside from elected politics.
Our country has deteriorated to an extent that it is extremely difficult to bring it back. The crime has now reached a proportion where the Judiciary is under serious threat.” Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce president Angie Jairam said Rowley’s decision must have been a difficult one for him but said he may have realised that his leadership was not bearing the results expected by citizens.
“The Prime Minister’s decision must be a difficult one for him, having served as an MP for so many years, and as Prime Minister for almost ten years. However, Dr Rowley may have realised that his leadership was not bearing the results the citizens expected and decided the time was now to bow out as MP. We wish him all the best,” said Jairam.
She used the private sector as an example and said, “Time does not allow for stretching the rope too long.” “In the private sector, if you fail to bring results of excellence, changes would be inevitable. Unfortunately, leaders in government have different opportunities, especially with party politics; few people benefit and many suffer.
.. which is exactly what has been happening for some time,” she said.
Jairam said with 2025 being an election year, she expects it to have “some interesting times”. “It’s time the country and the people are allowed to be safe, free, productive and progressive. Any new leader of the country will have a great task and must be prepared to serve without conviction and division.
See us as one people,” she urged. Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) coordinator Jai Leladharsingh said he believes Rowley’s decision could be seen by some as an opportunity, while others may view it as a threat. “After an abysmal track record, I think it is fitting that the PM steps down because this country ran into a train wreck of failed policies, especially the closure of Petrotrin and the enforcement of taxes on the population which is burdening them a lot,” claimed Leladharsingh.
He added that in addition to this, he believes the Government has lost its grip on crime which is also affecting citizens. Leladharsingh believes the selection of Rowley’s successor will create an interesting dynamic—as will the UNC’s strategies. He said he would observe with interest “how the UNC is going to recalibrate and strategise to offer themselves as a government in waiting.
” Leladharsingh believes that Rowley’s announcement has left the country in a state of uncertainty and trepidation since T&T is still under a state of emergency. President of the Tobago Division of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Curtis Williams said Rowley’s announcement came as a shock. “We are somewhat taken aback by the sudden remarks from the Prime Minister.
We know he has been in politics for 45 years and it’s time for him to take some time for his family, but we know that politics affects business, so we are looking on for who will be the new leader for the PNM,” said Williams. “We are looking forward to what will be happening in the space. It’s just going to be a very exciting year for us and we have to be mindful of what’s happening in the space,” he said.
.
