T&T first female PM sworn in

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, a 58-year-old attorney, was on Wednesday sworn in as the first ever woman prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

Prime Minister Persad Bissessar, who led the United National Congress (UNC)-led People's Partnership to victory in the May 24 general election, took the oath of office before President George Maxwell Richards at the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, near the historic Queen's Park Savannah, in the center of the capital.

The ceremony was also attended by the victorious members of the coalition, comprising five political parties and trade unions, as well as party supporters and prominent local dignitaries.

Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said that she had an "enormous responsibility" before her and called on all citizens to help in the socio-economic development of the oil-rich twin island republic.

"We have to move forward as one nation," she said, reminding her audience that the election is "long over".

"The task ahead of us is challenging," she said, adding "we have been given an immense opportunity to develop Trinidad and Tobago.

"There is no reason why a nation can't reach heights of development never seen before," said the prime minister, dressed in a green dress and a white, pearl necklace with matching earrings.

She promised to announce the composition of her new Cabinet within the "coming days" but indicated that there would be a Ministry of Tobago Development to ensure the sister isle is not neglected.

Develop this nation

Lawyer Anand Ramlogan was sworn in as a senator paving the way for his appointment as attorney general.

"I want to thank all of you who voted for hope and for change ... and as we continue on this journey to build a Trinidad and Tobago that we will all be proud off ... we will all hold hands together to develop this nation.

"Together we aspire and together we will achieve," she added, expressing "my deepest gratitude to the people of Trinidad and Tobago".

She also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Patrick Manning for his contribution to the development of the country.

Manning called the general election more than two years ahead of the constitutional deadline and his People's National Movement was only able to win 12 of the 41 seats in the Parliament.