News Americas, New York, NY, May 5, 2025:Trinidad and Tobago’s newly re-elected Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has unveiled a bold and reform-driven Cabinet, signaling a clear shift in national priorities with a strong emphasis on security, justice, energy strategy, and legislative reform.
Following her coalition’s commanding victory in the April 28th general elections, Persad-Bissessar named a 24-member Cabinet during a swearing-in ceremony before President Christine Kangaloo, placing several key ministries under fresh leadership and introducing entirely new portfolios aimed at tackling crime, economic recovery, and regional energy diplomacy.
In a major restructuring, the Prime Minister dismantled the traditional Ministry of National Security model and introduced specialized ministries. Wayne Sturge has been appointed as Minister of Defense, Roger Alexander—a former senior police officer—is now Minister of Homeland Security, and Devesh Maharaj will serve as Minister of Justice.
“These changes reflect our seriousness in addressing security holistically and with precision,” Persad-Bissessar said. “My Attorney General will work swiftly to introduce ‘stand your ground’ laws, home invasion penalties, and expand access to legal firearm ownership for law-abiding citizens.”
Former Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal returns as Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, with a fresh directive: shift Trinidad and Tobago’s energy focus away from the uncertain Dragon Field project with Venezuela and toward strategic partnerships with Guyana, Suriname, and potentially Grenada.
“My Minister of Energy has been mandated to explore offers from Guyana, and even investigate offshore energy prospects in Grenada, which may hold greater potential than the Dragon Field,” Persad-Bissessar told attendees, drawing applause.
Davendranath Tancoo takes over the critical Ministry of Finance, tasked with assessing the country’s fiscal status and collaborating with planning and trade ministries to reinvigorate national revenue. Persad-Bissessar also pledged to revoke the Revenue Authority Act, signaling the end of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA), which her party has long opposed.
The new Cabinet also includes expanded ministries such as the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, led by Dominic Smith, and a renewed focus on Tobago and rural development.
“This is a Cabinet of action and accountability,” Persad-Bissessar declared. “Every minister has a mandate, and we intend to deliver—not just to those who voted for us, but to every citizen.”
- Kamla Persad-Bissessar – Prime Minister
- John Jeremie – Attorney General
- Ravi Rattiram – Minister of Agriculture, Land & Fisheries
- Devesh Maharaj – Minister of Justice
- Michelle Benjamin – Minister of Culture & Community Development
- Wayne Sturge – Minister of Defense
- Dr. Michael Dowlath – Minister of Education
- Dr. Roodal Moonilal – Minister of Energy and Energy Industries
- Davendranath Tancoo – Minister of Finance
- Sean Sobers – Minister of Caricom & Foreign Affairs
- Lackram Bodoe – Minister of Health
- Rishard Seecharam – Minister in the Ministry of Health
- Roger Alexander – Minister of Homeland Security
- Dr. David Lee – Minister of Housing
- Leroy Baptiste – Minister of Labour
- Saddam Hosein – Minister of Legal Affairs
- Barry Padarath – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister & Public Utilities
- Vandana Mohit – Minister of Social Development & Family Services
- Kennedy Swaratsingh – Minister of Planning & Economic Affairs
- Dominic Smith – Minister of Public Administration & Artificial Intelligence
- Khadijah Ameen – Minister of Rural Development & Local Government
- Phillip Watts – Minister of Sport & Youth Affairs
- Prakash Persad – Minister of Tertiary Education
- Eli Zakour – Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation
- Jerlean John – Minister of Works & Infrastructure
- Colin Gosine – Minister of Trade and Investment
Persad-Bissessar affirmed her administration’s commitment to transparency and delivery, saying, “I look forward to working with all of you. The time for bold action is now.”
British Caribbean News