After rumours that her name would be placed in the hat, Senate President Christine Kangaloo has officially been put forward as the sole nominee for President of T&T.
Kangaloo, a former Member of Parliament for Pointe a Pierre, has acted as President on multiple occasions over the past seven years she has been Senate President.
However, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the Opposition is concerned that an active politician is being considered and have therefore objected to the appointment.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley met with Persad-Bissessar at the Diplomatic Centre for discussions regarding the appointment of a person to serve as President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Rowley said that as a political party, it did not subscribe to the view that if one was associated with the party, it did not disqualify the person for the position of President.
He noted that during the seven years in which she acted on behalf of the current president, they are satisfied that she served and did not disqualify in any way by her conduct.
“So being a former minister of government is part of her tool and experience. She has served as both sides of parliament floor. What excellent qualification of a person who is asked to move into a job and what is required for the presidency is a character and senator Kangaloo has demonstrated that she has that,” he said.
Kangaloo will be required to vacate her position as president of the Senate once elected.
Rowley said the Opposition has been given time to consider the nominee.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Camille Robinson-Regis and Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young were also present, along with Senator Wade Mark and Member of Parliament for Pointe-a-Pierre, David Lee.
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