Trinidad and Tobago’s First Female President Claims Her Role as ‘Humble First Servant’ · Global Voices
An image of Trinidad and Tobago's new president, <PERSON>, widely shared on social media. Original photograph by <PERSON>, used with permission.
On March 19, 2018, Trinidad and Tobago swore in its sixth president, <PERSON>, making history as the island's first female head of state since becoming a republic in 1976.
An attorney by profession, <PERSON> worked in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for more than a decade before going into private practice. She was appointed first to the bench and thereafter to the Court of Appeal where she served until her retirement in 2016.
<PERSON>’ appointment attracted major attention on social media and many netizens consider her to be an excellent choice for the position. <PERSON>, a Trinidadian who is the Head of Diversity at Facebook posted:
Congratulations to President <PERSON>, the first woman to hold the office in Trinidad and Tobago. The thing about ‘firsts’ is that they are bitter sweet. It finally feels like the narrow vision of the past has broadened to include more people on their merits, and yet we are reminded in this moment of how long it took and what a heavy burden of expectations the first one to push through carries. Wishing her and all the others who will walk through the now-open door, well in their humble service.
Former temporary independent senator Dr. <PERSON> suggested:
Her Excellency <PERSON> is the change this nation needs I believe.
Taking office after a controversial predecessor
<PERSON>, <PERSON>’ predecessor, was a controversial figure. 957
At his inauguration in 2013, he made a cryptic speech about his powers under the Westminster system of governance: “Powers you think I have… I do not. Powers you think I do not have… I do,” he said.
Those words came back to haunt him.
Allegations of impropriety in public office plagued <PERSON> following the release of the 2015 Auditor General's Report on the Public Accounts, made public on April 29, 2016. The report noted financial irregularities which came to the attention of civil society.
<PERSON>, a university lecturer, used social media to challenge the former president regarding his acceptance of a $28,000 Trinidad and Tobago Dollar TTD (just over $4,000 USD) monthly housing allowance over a two-year period while living in state-funding housing, contrary to the rules.
A senior attorney in the United Kingdom who examined <PERSON>'s documents concluded: “The case is finely balanced but I believe that there are at the moment reasonable grounds to suspect that the offence of misconduct in public office has been committed.”
Just over a year ago, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service announced that its anti-corruption unit would launch an investigation into the presidential housing allowance, but no further updates on the status of the investigation have been issued.
Netizens openly expressed satisfaction with <PERSON>'s departure.
On Facebook, <PERSON> posted:
Today is a historic day as H. E. Justice Madam <PERSON> becomes the first female President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
While I have bought ‘Cyat in Bag’ [cat in bag] before with many a political figure in the Republic, Her Excellency's career, deportment and media interviews thus far has given me hope that she will be a great office holder. Hopefully her first act in office would be reclaim some dignity to the office by allowing a full investigation into the actions of her predecessor on the many allegations levied towards him.
‘Mae Day'! ‘Mae Day'!
One of many citizens who attended <PERSON>’ inauguration, <PERSON> branded her posts with the hashtag #PaulaMaeDay, which was quick to catch on. She later quipped:
[…] It is #PaulaMaeDay
May she never abuse her #StrenkAndPowaz.
#Overdue
Having been burned by the <PERSON> experience, some netizens were not so convinced. On Facebook, <PERSON> explained:
I’m not listening to or watching the swearing in. I’m still traumatized by the last speech that bamboozled an entire nation and I still have questions like WHERE DE MC MONEY DAWG??! I do, however, wish Justice <PERSON> the absolute best and hope she does right by all of us.
<PERSON>’ swearing-in ceremony — and her maiden presidential address, in particular — was well subscribed. 957