Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing he confirmed he will not contest the next general election and plans to step down as prime minister before the end of his current term.
“I will not be offering myself again to represent anyone, either in Trinidad or in Tobago,” Rowley, T&T’s seventh prime minister, revealed at the end of the briefing.
“Forty-five years is a long time, and I would like to say thank you appropriately to all those who have supported my efforts and benefited from what I hope were positive impacts on this country.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Rowley shared memories of his early life and career in Tobago. “My first job here was planting grass at Hope Estate for seven dollars a day,” he recounted. “From those beginnings, I went on to teach in Tobago before entering politics in 1980. This year marks 45 years in public life.”
Rowley, 75, credited his leadership with introducing and nurturing young talent within the People’s National Movement (PNM).
“At the last election in 2020, I brought a number of young people into the political arena. Many of them are still in Government today, having gained valuable experience. They are now prepared to lead this country forward,” he said.
He also spoke about the challenges of serving in public office. He criticised and lamented the growing culture of attacks fuelled by social media and other platforms.
“There is a relentless attack on those in public life by people who have never planted an okra seed or swept a pavement,” Rowley said. “The mechanisms available to spread bile and vitriol have fuelled a deterioration in the quality of our society.”
Despite the criticism, Rowley said he had remained resilient to lead during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. “I managed this country through COVID. Just today, I received confirmation from PAHO that there is no emergency in China regarding a new virus outbreak. That was a relief—God knows we don’t want another COVID,” he added.
Rowley reiterated that his decision to step away from politics was not a new one. “In 2020 at Balisier House, I said I would not do this again, and I meant it,” he said.
He confirmed he will resign as PM before the term’s legal limit, noting the importance of spending more time with his family. “Before the end of this term, I will step down and go after my family,” Rowley said.
While he continues to serve as People’s National Movement (PNM) political leader for now, Rowley spoke of the importance of a smooth transition. “I will oversee nominations for the seats and ensure continuity, but I will not be offering myself again,” he said.
Rowley took time to outline the steps being taken as the PNM prepares for the general election. He confirmed candidate screening for Tobago began, with a parliamentary and government retreat scheduled for tomorrow and Monday.
He explained, “2025 is a very important year. It is definitely an election year. Half of it is already behind us, and the other half lies ahead. Parliament dissolves at the end of August, and within 90 days, elections must be called. The population will then decide who manages the affairs of the country. But I will not be part of that decision-making process as a candidate.”
Addressing his longstanding service in Diego Martin West, where he has been MP since 1991, Rowley assured them they would not be neglected during the transition. “The people of Diego Martin West have supported me resolutely, and I will thank them appropriately to ensure they are not left adrift,” he said.