The former prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago sweeps the polls to take power again

Yahoo! News - Apr 29th, 2025

The United National Congress, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has claimed a decisive victory in Trinidad and Tobago's snap elections, regaining control of the government with 26 of 41 seats in the House of Representatives. The opposition, People’s National Movement, led by Stuart Young, secured only 13 seats and conceded defeat. Young had assumed the position of prime minister following Keith Rowley's resignation and had called for the elections amid controversy over his appointment. Persad-Bissessar, previously the country's first female prime minister from 2010 to 2015, now returns to address critical issues facing the nation.

Trinidad and Tobago, an oil- and gas-rich nation, is grappling with economic instability and a surge in crime. Persad-Bissessar has pledged to tackle these challenges by increasing public worker salaries, safeguarding elderly pensions, and reopening the state-owned oil company, Petrotrin, which was closed in 2018 due to alleged corruption and mismanagement. Her leadership marks a significant shift in the country's political landscape, and her policies could have far-reaching implications for the nation's economic and social fabric.

Crime Elections Trinidad And Tobago Economic Policy Stuart Young Kamla Persad Bissessar People’s National Movement United National Congress Petrotrin

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RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and generally accurate account of the recent election in Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on the victory of Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her party. It is clear and readable, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, the lack of source attribution and detailed analysis limits its accuracy and impact. The article could benefit from a more balanced perspective, including insights from the opposition and other political stakeholders. Despite these weaknesses, the story addresses a topic of significant public interest, with potential implications for policy and governance in Trinidad and Tobago.

Accuracy

The article presents a generally accurate account of the election results in Trinidad and Tobago, stating that Kamla Persad-Bissessar's party, the United National Congress, won 26 of 41 seats. This aligns with available sources. However, the article lacks detailed verification of some claims, such as the exact context and reasoning behind Stuart Young's appointment and the subsequent call for snap elections. Additionally, while it mentions economic instability and crime, it does not provide specific data to support these claims, which are essential for a comprehensive understanding.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the victory of Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her party, providing limited insight into the perspectives of the opposition or other political stakeholders. It mentions Stuart Young and the People’s National Movement but does not explore their viewpoints or reactions in depth. This lack of balance could lead to a skewed understanding of the political landscape in Trinidad and Tobago, as it omits the opposition's perspective on the election outcome and their future plans.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, with a logical flow that presents the main points effectively. The language is neutral and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the election outcome and its implications. However, the lack of detailed explanations for some claims, such as the economic challenges and crime rates, slightly detracts from the overall clarity.

Source quality

The article does not cite specific sources for its claims, which affects its credibility and reliability. It lacks direct quotes from election officials, political analysts, or other authoritative figures that could provide additional context and verification. The absence of attributed sources makes it difficult to assess the impartiality and authority of the information presented, reducing the overall quality of the reporting.

Transparency

The article provides minimal context regarding the methodology behind its claims, such as how election results were obtained or verified. It does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might influence the reporting. The lack of transparency in sourcing and methodology makes it challenging for readers to evaluate the basis of the claims and the factors that could impact the article's impartiality.