Naparima MP Rodney Charles says its time for both Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Opposition leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar to do the honourable thing and step down from their respective positions.
He has advised that they take example from Singapore and bow out of office gracefully before the next general election.
The Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who has been on the job for 20 years, announced that Lawrence Wong, 51, the current deputy prime minister, will replace him effective May 15.
Charles, in a Newsday report, said this is the more dignified approach, rather than being hounded out, as past leaders, including Patrick Manning and Basdeo Panday were, and now Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
UNC members have publicly voiced their fears that given Persad-Bissessar’s past track record of losses, her continuing at the helm will prevent the party from ever winning another general election.
Charles reiterated the need for transformation of politics in Trinidad and Tobago.
“I have always subscribed to the view that the time has come for a generational shift in the politics and in leadership, as has been done in numerous countries, including the country I like to quote…Singapore.”
Pointing to what he said was a seamless transition, Charles said such an initiative is welcomed, rather than the contention which has arisen as calls for changes at the leadership level are being made.
“The time has come for people of my generation to do what is right.”
Charles, 76, who is bowing out of politics soon, said he could not contemplate why people who are in their 70s would want to hold on to power and keep back younger people from the opportunity to generate innovative ideas to serve the country.