UNC Youth Arm Chairman – Kamla Persad Bissessar the Region’s Best Leader

If one goes through the Global Political Record Book there would certainly be a true daughter of the soil holding a record which no other can boast about in the world. Previous to 2010 it would seem virtually impossible if not improbable that an individual could be elected the Political Leader of a party, then Leader of the Opposition followed by Prime Minister of one’s nation all in the space of three months. However the Honourable Kamla Persad Bissessar was able to accomplish this feat which although magnificent is less significant to the work and vision she has executed as a leader to restore a nation previously slipping over the edge into Political Decay.

Today this woman who has a will of iron and character of gold which is encapsulated by a heart and mind of compassion continues to strive for a better standard of living for each person who calls this nation home. The Journey to save a nation was not easy as with was filled with ridicule by men who were not only politically expired but also afraid of Kamla Persad Bissessar and subsequently succumbed to these same said fears; political defeat.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Politics for many years was enveloped with word throwing and name calling coupled with fake but damaging accusations while the real issues which affected the citizens were placed or pushed to the back burner. However a new style was introduced by Kamla Persad Bissessar in both the internal elections of the UNC and General elections. A style best described as “uniting a nation for a common cause” . As her Challengers who were both seasoned gate keepers in the nation’s politics threw venom at her, she soldiered own to discuss the issues and create solutions that would have ended neglect, under representation and discrimination. By the end of her campaign at 12 30 am on May 25th 2010 when the PNM strong hold of Arima fell to the Partnership, it was clear that Kamla Persad Bissessar had ushered in a new political style in Trinidad and Tobago.

Five years ago they said this “little girl from Siparia could never be Prime Minister ” however the little girl would be the woman that became the strongest leader our nation has ever seen. Before one assesses Kamla’s performance as Prime Minister its important to grade her as Political Leader of the United National Congress. As leader of a party which was born out of the struggle for equality and social justice from the bowels of the labour movement she has grown the base and restored hope to a political vehicle that was slowly coming to a stop. Her vision and modus operandi has been very embracing and welcoming which has assisted in rebuilding and consolidating the party’s base which was dwindling five years ago. Ever since the internal election she has taken the approach of dealing with issues and not “they say them say ” which has been a contributing factor to the Party’s Appeal to the Younger Generation.

As Prime Minister she has performed quite polished and eloquent as a local, regional and global leader. One of the key aspects of her leadership has been enforcing and standing for integrity and morality. As her term in office matures , she continues to stand, practice and strengthen the values upon which she was elected. Never one day has Kamla Persad Bissessar differed from her vision and mission. Its not easy to remove or make changes to one’s cabinet however as Prime Minister she has always put national interest ahead of friendships and political gain. No leader in our nation’s history has been able to stand for country before self.

In today’s world one of the biggest struggles or fights is for more youth involvement and engagement. Under her astute leadership Youth involvement in the Governance process has flourished with a number of young people being placed on state boards, Councillors and Members of Parliament while others have been allowed to play significant roles in the UNC’s and nation’s development.

The leadership of Kamla Persad Bissessar is something that is new to our regional politics, never has a leader placed this much emphasis on consultation and national views while focusing on those issues which affect the lives of the very basic citizen to most influential.

The Honourable Prime Minister has joined the top brass of leadership as she has not only been developing her own nation but seeking to develop specific framework that will enhance the region. It was only last month the Prime Minister while Speaking at the Caribbean Energy Conference in Washington proposed a Caribbean Energy Thematic Fund for CARICOM Member States, to address regional energy security.

The Prime Minister’s vision is been simple yet powerful; a better standard for all of Trinidad and Tobago. She has placed specific attention and focus on those vulnerable in our society such as our children, single mothers ,elderly and differently able. A nation is best measured by the way it treats and uplifts its children and elderly and this was one of the major influencing factors of the Prime Minister’s Framework for Development.One of the projects which not only signifies her leadership but will leave a legacy for our nation is the Children’s Life Fund, which allows many less fortunate families to afford life saving surgeries.

The Sixth President of the United States John Quincy Adams once made a statement years ago that can be reflected upon today and best describes the leadership of the Honourable Kamla Persad Bissessar ; “If your actions inspire others to dream more , learn more , do more and become more , you are a leader.

Its clear that in 2010 the nation elected the strongest and best leader the region has ever seen, no doubt victory is hers in a few months.

Nicholas Morris
United National Congress
Youth Arm
Chairman.