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Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley vowed to resign as political leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM), just two days after the party’s disastrous showing at the polls.
The PNM was routed in the 2025 General Elections under the joint leadership of Rowley and Prime Minister Stuart Young, as they lost nine seats to opposition parties—seven to new ruling party, the United National Congress (UNC), and two to the Tobago People’s Party (TPP).
Photo: OPM.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to be sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s ninth prime minister over the next 24 hours, along with her chosen attorney general.
Rowley might have conceded his last political post by then. In a social media post, the two-term prime minister said his resignation takes effect from Thursday 1 May.
This was followed by Young’s resignation as PNM chairman with immediate effect.
Wired868 understands that Rowley spent his last days on the job canvassing for Young to be selected as opposition leader. The PNM General Council meets today to appoint the person to take the party through its next cycle in opposition.
Rowley’s choice of Young as prime minister was accepted by MPs, after initial scepticism in January. But there was felt to be even less enthusiasm for the Port of Spain North/ St Ann’s West MP after Monday’s comprehensive election loss.
After 45 days in charge, Young is far and away Trinidad and Tobago’s shortest serving prime minister, although he is still entitled to the full perks of the office—including a pension of TT$87,847 per month.
In an interview with the Trinidad Guardian today, former minister Jennifer Primus-Baptiste and ex-PNM vice-chairman Robert Le Hunte called on Rowley and Young to “pack your bags and go”.
The PNM ended with 13 seats, while the UNC and TPP got 26 and 2 respectively.
(via PNM.)
Following the expressed views of his colleagues, Young tendered his resignation as chairman this afternoon. He vowed to “continue to advocate our cause and hold the opposition (sic) to account on behalf of my constituents, my party and the citizens in the parliament as we moved forward”.
“It has been an honour and an invaluable experience to be the chairman of the People’s National Movement (PNM) since December 2022,” stated Young, in a letter to general secretary Foster Cummings. “[…] After deep personal reflection in events, culminating with the result of the 2025 General Elections, I hereby tender my resignation as chairman of the PNM with immediate effect.
“[…] I am grateful for the support and respect shown to me by the party membership and I wish to assure that I remain committed to the founding principles of our party.
Photo: Office of the Prime Minister.
“Please convey my thanks and appreciation to our membership via the General Council.”
Wired868 understands that Arouca/ Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales is Rowley’s second choice for the position of opposition leader. However, Arima MP Pennelope Beckles is felt to have the support of the majority of current MPs.
The 13 MPS from which the PNM will choose its opposition leader comprise: Pennelope Beckles, Christian Birchwood, Symon de Nobriga, Hans des Vignes, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Marvin Gonzales, Colm Imbert, Brian Manning, Kareem Marcelle, Camille Robinson-Regis, Dominic Romain, Keith Scotland, and Stuart Young.
Photo: PNM.
Notably, Rowley will resign after an opposition leader is chosen today.
Apart from Beckles and Gonzales, who are believed to be frontrunners, Imbert and Robinson-Regis might also be considered due to seniority. Manning also declared that he was ready to lead if asked.
Robinson-Regis, the PNM’s lady vice-chair, is expected to chair today’s General Council meeting for the most crucial agenda item, as the party now has neither a chair or vice-chair.
Rowley’s imminent departure leaves the PNM without a political leader too and will almost certainly trigger internal elections.
Photo: PNM.
Dr Keith Rowley’s statement:
On 6 January 2025, I indicated my intention to step down as political leader of the People’s National Movement with the party holding a convention to elect a new political leader in September.
In March, on my last day in office as prime minister, I informed the country that—although my term as political leader legally runs until 2026—it was my intention to vacate this position at the earliest opportunity in consultation with the Leadership of the Movement.
Today I will address the General Council and tender my resignation as political leader of the People’s National Movement which will take effect from tomorrow: Thursday 01 May 2025.
This completes my disengagement firstly in the government (16 March 2025) and finally, in the party (1 May 2025).
I offer my sincere thanks to all for the opportunity to be of service in the various offices.
I extend my best wishes to the PNM and the nation.
May Almighty God continue to bless us all in the nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
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