IN AN impassioned and heartfelt address, newly appointed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar vowed to lead a government defined by compassion, unity, and resolve.

Speaking after she was sworn in at President’s House, St Ann's, Port of Spain, on May 1, she promised a new era of inclusion, care and responsible governance for all citizens.

In a notable difference from her first swearing-in, Persad-Bissessar chose to swear on the Constitution, as opposed to her 2010 swearing-in, when she took the oath on the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu holy book. As she read the oath, administered by President Christine Kangaloo, Persad-Bissessar's voice wavered with emotion. Persad-Bissessar, now 73, was 58 when she sworn in on May 24, 2010.

In her first address as prime minister for the second time, she outlined a vision for a strategic, inclusive, and forward-thinking administration. With determination, she stressed her government’s commitment to national transformation and long-term progress.

“Our highest priority will be not just to communicate with you, but to commune with you.

“Some of the seeds we plant during our five-year journey may not bear fruit for us, but our children, grandchildren and generations to come surely will.”

Clad in lilac, a colour symbolising hope and renewal – metallic lime green was her choice in 2010 – she pledged in six months, the public would see a safer, more harmonious country under her leadership.

“You will be my priority. You must always know you have a leader who cares for you and understands your problems.”

Turning to her soon-to-be-appointed members of Parliament and cabinet ministers, who will be sworn in on May 3, Persad-Bissessar signalled a readiness to govern decisively.

“Next week, we will outline our plans for the coming months.”

She reminded them of the core values that powered her campaign: fairness, justice, and unity across party lines.

“Patriotism is ensuring everybody wins, and that includes those who supported other political parties. Patriotism does not mean letting the majority suffer while a greedy few prosper. Patriotism does not mean staying silent to eat ‘ah food while the poor and working class are being abused or taken advantage of.”

She warned incoming officials that service to the people must be rooted in integrity and empathy.

“If you treat citizens with callousness, contempt, or corruption, I guarantee you retribution will be swift and brutal.

“Never mistake my appearance or kindness for weakness. There is nothing more dangerous than a mother who believes her children are in danger. Everyone would be wise to remember for the next five years.”

Revisiting a familiar theme from her campaign, she took aim at entrenched elites and corrupt financiers.

“To the fake elites and eat-ah-food financiers who have looted this country for the last ten years, democracy may be imperfect, but once every five years, no matter your wealth or status, we are all equal on election day.”

Addressing the inequalities faced by rural and marginalised communities,