00:00Well 45 years is a very long time to commit yourself to the development of
00:07Trinidad and Tobago. I think it has been a solid stellar term of just stability
00:15and investing in the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I've had the opportunity of
00:20working alongside Dr. Rowley for the past 14 years. It was 2010 in June when I
00:28was called to serve as an opposition senator. I think what I appreciate most
00:33about him is his investment in young people, giving young people the
00:36opportunity to lead and to take charge or take responsibility for leading and
00:44developing their country. Minister Champhikajo Lewis said the Prime
00:48Minister has led the country in some of the most difficult times. I think he has put in the work, he has laid a solid foundation, he has improved
00:57democracy in the People's National Movement, giving more authority and
01:02autonomy to the Tobago Council. One man, one vote, he has truly transformed the
01:10PNM and has made our party all the better and our country all the better, leading us
01:15through some of the most trying times. Meantime, Minister and a PNM Tobago
01:20East candidate Ayanna Webster-Roy said the announcement was heartbreaking for her.
01:26Given the fact that I would have started my political career under the
01:29Honourable Prime Minister, it was a bit heartbreaking for me, but I was prepared
01:34for it. Since 2020, he would have been signalling that it would have been his last time leading the
01:39team, but I think Trinidad and Tobago, when he departs office, would have lost a
01:46treasured trove of knowledge, of service, of servant leadership, and I'm extremely
01:54happy for his family. To commit 45 years in public service is not an easy thing to do.
01:59Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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