Former prime minister Stuart Young SC reaffirmed his commitment to serving his constituents. This follows the reported removal of his personal security detail. Young stated that he remains fully dedicated to his role.
“I confirm that whilst I was seeing constituents in my constituency office yesterday, I was informed that Cabinet had instructed that all security arrangements provided to me as former PM be terminated immediately,” he said. “Despite the actions of the government over the past week, which have targeted me, I will continue to serve my constituents and Trinidad and Tobago to the best of my ability without fear or favour, malice or ill-will, as I have always done.”
Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge clarified the usual protocol regarding security details for former prime ministers. He noted that they typically extend up to one month after leaving office.
Young dismisses the security detail removal
“Any decision to extend the time is ultimately one for the Special Branch of the TTPS with input from other relevant agencies and dependent on various factors,” he said. “The decision is not taken by the political directorate but by those with the relevant information and expertise.”
The move follows recent legislative changes.
These changes now require a person to serve at least one year as prime minister to qualify for the office’s pension. Attorney General John Jeremie has dismissed claims that the legislation was unconstitutional or specifically targeted Young. The development is the latest in a series of significant political maneuvers and legislative changes in Trinidad and Tobago.
These changes impact the office of the Prime Minister and former officeholders.
