PM Keith Rowley flies to US for medical tests, Minister Young to act as Prime Minister

Trinidad and Tobago: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley travelled to the United States on September 1, 2024, to undergo a series of medical tests, that he had been delaying for a while. After celebrating the 62^nd Independence Day Anniversary of the country, he left for his health checkups and appointed Minister Stuart Young to act as the Prime Minister in his absence.

This is the second time that Stuart Young, who is Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, will act as the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago in the absence of PM Dr Keith Rowley and take the necessary decisions and will also look after the administration and the country.

It is to be noted that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had already shared his travel plans to the US to undergo medical tests while he addressed a post-cabinet news conference on August 25. PM Rowley undergoes a series of medical tests every year due to a coronary issue, which was first discovered in 2016.

Earlier this week, Dr. Keith Rowley along with his wife Sharon Rowley took part in the 62nd Independence Day Parade where PM Rowley addressed the nation and celebrated the long journey of Trinidad and Tobago and pledged to take the island nation to heights.

Following this, the Prime Minister and his wife attended the Toast to the Nation hosted by Christine Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in commemoration of the 62nd Anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence.

Later, they attended the Independence Day celebrations hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, and Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, where they interacted with the guests and hosts present.

Additionally, the first time Minister Young acted as Prime Minister was in July when Rowley visited Grenada to attend the CARICOM heads of government meeting.

Moreover, Minister Young was appointed Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister on September 11, 2015.

Earlier, Finance Minister Colm Imbert was given the responsibility of acting as the Prime Minister in PM Rowley’s absence from Trinidad and Tobago.