PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC—Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has confirmed that his National Security Minister, Fitzgerald Hinds, will not contest the 2025 general election, saying he was “not entirely surprised “by the decision.
General elections are constitutionally due by August next year, and the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) is seeking a third consecutive term in office. Its main challenge will come from the United National Congress (UNC), led by Opposition Leader and former prime minister Kamla Persad Bissessar.
Speaking to reporters, Rowley said that while he had “no hand” in Hinds’ decision, he is “a little bit disappointed “at the National Security Minister’s decision to step away from active politics. The opposition had called for his resignation.
“Because Mr. Hinds has been with us for a long time. He is a very loyal, hardworking MP, and therefore, he is coming to the end of his service; there is usually sadness in parting, but I am sure he will be around with us in the party, if not in the government”.
Rowley said while he has not spoken with Hinds regarding his decision, “I knew of his feeling along the way, and I am not surprised.”
Hinds, appointed Minister of National Security on April 19, 2021, has had previous experience in the national security landscape, having served as Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security from June 2004 to November 2007.
The former member of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is an attorney with more than 20 years of experience, graduating from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, with a Bachelor of Laws Degree in 1988.
In 1992, he obtained a Master of Laws Degree, specializing in Government and Constitutional Law, and received his Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 1995.
Hinds was first elected to the House of Representatives as a member of the PNM in 1995 and served for 12 years as the Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Laventille East/Morvant.
The incumbent MP for the Laventille West is likely to be replaced by Port of Spain alderman Kareem Marcelle as the PNM’s candidate for the next general election.
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