00:00With the Ministry of Finance involved in a legal imbroglio with the Auditor General,
00:05the Prime Minister announcing his early resignation, the top cop being arrested and the year 2024
00:12ending on a high of 624 murders.
00:16Many are of the view that this election year may be the most contentious one yet.
00:21But despite all that's happening, the Prime Minister in waiting says he is not fazed.
00:27A lot of people have this perception that the country is quote-unquote falling apart.
00:32Do you feel as though you are inheriting that quote-unquote mess?
00:36Absolutely not. As you all would have heard in my address to these 12 young students this morning,
00:40there is so much positive about Trinidad and Tobago.
00:42Every country is going to have issues and we are no different.
00:47And part of the responsibility of leadership is whatever issues you have to face,
00:51you do so with a level head and you do so in the best interests of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:56So I'm in absolutely no way fazed whatsoever.
00:59Fortunately, I've been now in government going on 10 years.
01:03I'm very aware of the difficulties as well as the challenges,
01:06but also the benefits for the citizens of when we do things properly and right.
01:11So stand by. We'll soon see my style.
01:14Among his order of business upon taking office is addressing issues within the police service.
01:20As the incoming Prime Minister, do you have any specific plans for the police service,
01:25any direction you want to see it go?
01:26I do. And at the appropriate time, I will address the country with those plans.
01:30Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hines
01:35and Lavender East MP Adrian Leonce will not be putting themselves back up for government.
01:42And with the outgoing Deo Martin West MP giving the nod to his preferred candidate for the seat,
01:48murmurs of bias and nepotism are rearing again within the PNM.
01:52Even as tensions were already high over the manner in which the next Prime Minister was selected.
01:58I understand that people are anxious. At the appropriate time,
02:02it will all be addressed. There's no need for anxiety. It is a continuity.
02:05It is a simple transaction. You talked about, you know, it's using the PNM.
02:09We have transitioned and what you're seeing it roll out right now.
02:13I suspect if you all shine the lights elsewhere, you will find the confusion you're looking for.
02:18Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
