Kamla Persad-Bissessar

In a whirlwind of activities since taking over the reins, the prime minister sat at the table with the “big boys” of CARICOM at its recent Summit in Jamaica and exhibited toughness as the leader of one of the strongest economies in the region. Following the summit, she also hit South Florida, where she spoke to political and business leaders on trade and investment opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago.

In a brief interview with the National Weekly recently, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar spoke candidly about her role as prime minister and her musical preference.

In response to the question about whether she is held to a higher standard as a woman, she said, “Yes,” but added that “Leaders in the modern world, male or female, are going to be judged on competence.” She said all leaders in this technologically advanced environment will have to prove themselves and there is a need to have transparency and accountability in leadership.

The prime minister said forging a better relationship with the Trinidadian Diaspora, which was instrumental in her campaign for office, is a very important aspect of her administration’s thrust. “No man is an island,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar chuckled at the comment that she stole the show at the CARICOM summit, where her presence was felt not only at the table, but on the dance floor with Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding. She said she had an exceptional time in Jamaica, where she lived for 14 years and calls her second home, and that she had “no problems” as the sole woman, dealing with the other CARICOM heads.

On the issue of the coalition government, the People’s Partnership, the prime minister rubbished the idea that it will soon crumble. She said she believes the partnership is strong because of the way it is structured. “The People’s Partnership will benefit all involved. It is a partnership that ensures that no one is left out and we are all working in the interest of the nation.” Quoting from T&T’s National Anthem, she said, “Here every creed and race, find an equal place.” Trinidad and Tobago politics has often been plagued with racial divisions between Indo- and Afro-Trinidadians.

But the shocker of our chat with the prime minister was her musical preference. When asked the simple question: “Reggae or Soca?” without hesitation, she said, “Reggae!” She added, “I love Soca too and it’s no disrespect; but the whole island (Trinidad and Tobago) knows I love Reggae… not just any Reggae, mostly Bob Marley. Bob Marley’s message is universal. You know, ‘One love, one heart, let’s get together and fall alright,’” she said quoting the Marley classic.

The prime minister who used Marley music on her campaign said, “Soca is for fun, but when I need inspiration, I prefer Reggae.”