Former minister Raziah Ahmed was yesterday welcomed as Senate President by the Government, Opposition and Independent benches. They also thanked former Senate President Timothy Hamel-Smith for his service. Ahmed, the former Minister in the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development, was hailed by her former “boss,” Gender Affairs Minister Clifton de Coteau as a “political pioneer.”
De Coteau said last Saturday was International Hijab Day, adding that Ahmed was the first woman of the Islamic faith to hold the prestigious post of Senate President. Ahmed will act as President of the country in the absence of Anthony Carmona. Responding to congratulations from all sides, Ahmed thanked the senators for their confidence.
“My commitment is to inspire confidence in citizens and make a positive contribution to the development of T&T.” Ahmed was nominated unopposed by Leader of Government Business Ganga Singh and elected to replace Timothy Hamel-Smith whose appointment was revoked by the President, following the advice of the Prime Minister on Monday.
On Monday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced Hamel-Smith’s removal along with various ministerial changes. On why Hamel-Smith was removed, Communication Minister Vasant Bharath said it was the Prime Minister’s decision. Those removed from the Cabinet were former senators Anand Ramlogan, Gary Griffith, Embau Moheni and Emmanuel George.
Incoming were Garvin Nicholas, retired Brig Carl Alfonso, Brent Sancho, Kwasi Mutema and Christine Newallo-Hosein. Stacy Roopnarine was shifted from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to Gender Affairs. At the start of yesterday’s Senate session—where Senate Vice-president James Lambert presided before Ahmed was elected—incoming Senators Nicholas, Alfonso, Sancho, Mutema and Newallo-Hosein were sworn in as government senators.
Witnessing the event were Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives Dr Roodal Moonilal, COP leader Prakash Ramadhar and MP Errol Mc Leod, as well as UNC officials.