Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was greeted with open arms during a victory motorcade on April 4 through her Siparia constituency despite a late arrival.
The motorcade was intended to thank supporters for her 26-13-2 victory at last week's polls and was advertised to begin at 1 pm. However, it didn't kick off until Persad-Bissessar arrived around 3.30 pm. Newsday arrived at the Heritage Petroleum ground, Clarke Road, Penal around 12.30 where there were already about half a dozen vehicles waiting.
[caption id="attachment_1153303" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar with her grand nephews Kavir and Kiran at a UNC victory motorcade in Penal on May 4.[/caption]
Loyal supporters did not appear to mind the wait as they used the opportunity to take photos and collect paraphernalia like yellow t-shirts, flags and posters from one of the music trucks. From toddlers to pensioners were clad in yellow. Some chose to wait in their vehicles while many opted to socialise, discussing last week's sweeping victory, the recent cabinet appointments and even their hopes for the future under Persad-Bissessar's leadership. As the gloomy skies withdrew to reveal the blistering sun, many capitalised on snow cones being sold.
[caption id="attachment_1153305" align="alignnone" width="683"] A UNC supporter sports yellow hair at a victory motorcade in Penal on May 4.[/caption]
Apart from members of the public, councillors of the Penal Debe Regional Corporation, its chairman Gowtam Maharaj, and newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram were also present.
[caption id="attachment_1153304" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A long line of cars filled with UNC supporters take part in the party's victory motorcade in Penal on May 4.[/caption]
The crowd's eagerness got the better of them when the Prime Minister arrived with her police escort at the Penal Fire Station as they all rushed forward to catch a glimpse of Persad-Bissessar exiting her SUV.
[caption id="attachment_1153306" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar hugs the children gathered for her victory motorcade starting at Clarke Road, Penal, on May 4.[/caption]
Many rushed in to greet her but Persad-Bissessar instead walked over to embrace a group of young children.
A reason was never given for her late arrival but in her very brief thank-you greetings, Persad-Bissessar hinted at being under the weather.
[caption id="attachment_1153307" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A UNC supporter shows a picture of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at a victory motorcade in Penal on May 4.[/caption]
Persad-Bissessar also arrived about an hour late to the swearing-in of her cabinet at President's House in Port of Spain on May 3. The reason announced at the event was traffic congestion on the highway owing to two vehicular accidents and the inclement weather. Persad-Bissessar lives in the Phillipine/Esperance area in South Trinidad while the ceremony was held in the nation's ca
