Senior Reporter
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has launched a scathing critique against her detractors, claiming they are “consumed with an irrational hatred that has driven them deranged” as she fiercely repudiated the backlash surrounding her absence from yesterday’s African Emancipation Day observances in the capital city.
Clarifying that she had never committed to attending the function hosted by the Emancipation Support Committee at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, Queen’s Park Savannah, the Prime Minister revealed that she had chosen instead to spend dedicated, private time with her family over the holiday—a decision she argued has been unfairly politicised by the People’s National Movement (PNM) and its base.
“I really don’t know what PNM MPs and their supporters want. When I wear African clothing they curse me; if I don’t wear it they curse me. When I participate in African cultural activities, they curse me; when I don’t participate, they curse me. When I speak to praise the contributions of Afro Trinidadians, they curse me; if I don’t speak to praise, they curse me. I don’t know what the PNM MPs and their supporters want. They appear consumed with irrational hatred that it sends them deranged,” she said in a WhatsApp response to Guardian Media on her absence.
Addressing specific accusations that she had abandoned a scheduled appearance, Persad-Bissessar firmly rejected the narrative that she had backed out of a prior engagement.
“I never committed to attending that event. I attended two African emancipation events on Thursday; I am spending the day with my family. I’m sorry that those persons who were eagerly waiting to insult and curse me were disappointed. They should not worry; there will always be another event where they may have the opportunity to hurl curses and insults at me,” she explained.
To reinforce her commitment to the national celebrations, the Prime Minister underscored that her official observances had taken place earlier in the week.
“I attended two wonderful emancipation events on Thursday in PoS and San Fernando. Those were beautiful events organised by the office of the Prime Minister and another by Minister Benjamin. You actually have a photo of me at one of the functions on your paper’s front page today,” she said.
Despite her explanation, expectations on the ground had remained high, as the Prime Minister had originally been carded as the feature speaker at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, where she was scheduled to deliver an address at 3 pm.
The atmosphere shifted abruptly when Dr Asha Kambon, director of the Emancipation Support Committee of T&T, announced to the crowd that the Prime Minister was ultimately “unable to attend.”
This sudden announcement triggered boos, cheers, and audible shouts of “Thank God” echoing throughout the venue.
Seeking to maintain the spirit of the day, Kambon stepped in to restore order, reminding attendees of both the non-partisan nature of the celebrations and the cultural expectation of hospitality.
“When we have a guest in our house, no matter which guest we have in our house and you know one thing about Emancipation is that it is not partisan. When we have a guest in our house and guests in our house, we treat them with respect the way we treat any guest in our house,” she said, reiterating, “Any guest is treated with the same respect. I know people have their own personal feelings and maybe they are thinking all sorts of thoughts, but what I ask you to do is hold those thoughts because a guest in our house is a guest that is well treated.”
The general sentiment among many in attendance remained one of disappointment over the Prime Minister’s absence.
Several attendees expressed that a short visit would have gone a long way, feeling that she should have made an appearance “even for half an hour.”
“It would have been nice to hear her speak, but we don’t know (the circumstances) and we have to respect that,” one woman shared.
In 2025, the Prime Minister attended the event and gave the feature address.
Ministers defend PM
Following public reactions to Persad-Bissessar’s absence, Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John pushed back against partisan criticism, emphasising the PM’s active participation in Emancipation celebrations across T&T, reaffirming her long-standing dedication to the African community and highlighted her extensive schedule of Emancipation commitments leading up to and during the holiday.
“The Prime Minister attended so many Emancipation celebrations. The highlight of her celebrating Emancipation was the programme that the Honourable Minister of Culture had in San Fernando, which was a sold out event that is on both newspapers, highlighted in both newspapers; she supported, she sponsored and she was there in person.
“Plus, we had the big major Emancipation lunch at the Diplomatic Centre until 11 in the night, celebrating. It’s a representation of how you feel, the love she feels for all people, but particularly people of African descent and the struggles they face. She said that particularly when she addressed us at the Diplomatic Centre,” John said.
Told about the boos aimed at the PM from the crowd, Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin quickly jumped in, saying this was “misdirected” as she suggested that media attention should instead be focused on national cultural icons who require support.
“I would think that was misdirected and where concern should be, especially on a day like today I’m not seeing reporters asking me concerning Miss Ella Andall, whose freedom chants is what we march to, what we sing to, and unfortunately that she is in St Ann’s and I see no concern being made for that icon,” she said.
The minister, in a release issued late yesterday, called for privacy and dignity regarding Andall and her family.
She added, “You’re concerned by someone who is a freedom fighter for Trinidad and Tobago, no other than the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar. While we understand your sentiments, but best believe that she is always here, always with us, and the fact that she may not be here, probably proper protocol with regards to the invitation. I could tell you that there are a lot of missteps happening, but at the end of the day, we stand, and we do not let partisan politics deter us from any space.”
John also addressed speculation surrounding the Prime Minister’s schedule and health, noting that Persad-Bissessar called her three times yesterday morning to discuss Government business.
Dismissing claims of racial bias or favouritism, John asserted that Persad-Bissessar serves the entire nation, saying the PM is “not a Prime Minister for one race, or one segment of the community.”
“She is a Prime Minister for all and what I saw on Thursday was a Prime Minister in a full African gear.
“Even when it was not fashionable, our Prime Minister proudly championed African people and their cause. So I am proud of my Prime Minister,” she said.
Asked about whether the PM was in good health, John described her health as “excellent”.
Benjamin dismisses boos
Meanwhile, asked about her own feelings on being booed by the crowd during yesterday’s celebrations at Independence Square, Port-of-Spain, Benjamin attributed the hostility strictly to partisan political dynamics.
“We are in Port-of-Spain. We are surrounded by five strong PNM constituencies and even the day leading up to this, I got phone calls that if I come in a certain space, something would happen. It happened during the Carnival season; I was threatened if I go on to the Skinner’s Park, but that is not going to stop this Government from doing the work of the people. We were elected to serve, not a selected few, but all,” she said.
