By: Paul Sarran
October 7, 2025
The United National Congress (UNC) led government, under the leadership of the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, assumed office on the 28th of April 2025, and has since embarked on the process of restructuring state boards and state agencies in Trinidad and Tobago. Understandably, the transition of power is never immediate, and it is accepted by the population that time is needed for a new administration to properly settle in. However, the delay in approving and appointing many of the boards of directors to state agencies has not gone unnoticed. Citizens are now paying close attention, and expectations are rising that these approvals must be completed soon if the government is to demonstrate decisiveness and efficiency in governance.
As a young political scientist, I believe it is time for the Prime Minister and her Cabinet to move swiftly and tirelessly to ensure these appointments are finalized. The population looks to state boards as an essential part of the governance framework, serving as the operational arms of state agencies, regulators of policy, and important vehicles for the execution of government’s plans. Without proper board appointments, the effectiveness of these agencies is significantly diminished, leading to inefficiencies that can affect service delivery and the implementation of critical programmes. A former Prime Minister, the late Patrick Manning, once remarked that “Trinidad and Tobago is not an easy country to govern,” and this statement continues to resonate. It is a reminder that while governing may never be simple, it requires timely decisions, strong leadership, and the will to confront challenges directly.
The government now stands at a pivotal point where it must balance the population’s patience with the urgency of governance. Appointments to boards and the confirmation of ambassadors are not just procedural formalities; they are strategic decisions that shape the trajectory of national policy and international representation. Citizens want to see these decisions reflect transparency, merit, and competence. In an era when public confidence in institutions remains fragile, timely and credible appointments will go a long way toward restoring trust in governance.
At the same time, the nation is turning its attention toward the upcoming Budget, which the government has indicated will be balanced. This declaration has stirred both optimism and scepticism among the population. Some citizens eagerly anticipate the possibility of a budget that matches revenues with expenditures, reflecting fiscal discipline and responsibility. Others, however, remain cautious, aware of the longstanding challenges of managing an economy heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues. Trinidad and Tobago’s economic history has shown the volatility of relying on energy exports, and while oil and gas continue to underpin the economy, diversification remains a central goal that has not yet been fully achieved.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has signalled that the Budget will propose “creative ways” to expand revenue streams. This statement holds much promise, as the nation has long sought to move beyond the energy sector to harness opportunities in areas such as technology, manufacturing, tourism, financial services, and agriculture. Creative approaches will also be needed to strengthen the entrepreneurial environment and attract both local and foreign investment. However, the population is keen to see these proposals translated into concrete measures, as aspirations for diversification have been voiced by many governments before but with limited success. This government, therefore, has a unique opportunity to demonstrate its seriousness by setting out actionable strategies that go beyond rhetoric.
The economic challenges of the global environment add to the complexity. Uncertainty in commodity markets, geopolitical tensions, and the lingering effects of global inflation all create pressures that will inevitably affect small, energy-dependent economies such as Trinidad and Tobago. A balanced budget, therefore, would not only represent sound fiscal management but would also symbolize a disciplined approach in an unpredictable world economy. Citizens are aware that balancing the budget is no easy feat, but they are willing to see bold leadership in exploring revenue diversification, expenditure efficiency, and innovative financing options.
In governance, perception is as critical as performance. The Prime Minister and her government must be mindful that the decisions made in these early months will shape public confidence for the rest of the term. Swift board appointments will signal that the government is in control and capable of executing its agenda. A balanced and creative budget will reinforce the message that this administration is forward-thinking and committed to the sustainable development of the nation. On both fronts, delay or indecision could weaken momentum and give rise to public frustration.
The mandate given to this government by the electorate is rooted in hope for effective leadership, stable governance, and a better future. The population has entrusted the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar with the responsibility of charting a new course, and that responsibility must now be met with clarity of vision and decisiveness of action. The late Patrick Manning’s words remain a sobering reminder that leadership in Trinidad and Tobago requires resilience and resolve, but they also serve as inspiration to rise to the occasion. The people are ready to support bold measures that will modernize the economy, strengthen institutions, and restore confidence in public life. What they ask in return is timely action, transparency, and the assurance that the government is indeed working tirelessly in their interest.
Author Paul Sarran, holder of a BSc in Political Science from the University of the West Indies.
(Author Paul Sarran has successfully completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at the University of the West Indies.)
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