PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) —Stuart Richard Young was sworn in on Monday as the eighth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, a few months before voters in this twin island republic go to the polls to elect a new government.

Young, the former minister of Energy and Energy Industries, replaced 75-year-old Dr Keith Rowley, who stepped down from office after nine and a half years and ended 45 years of active politics.

“As we begin this new chapter together, this is my commitment to you. I will lead with integrity, inclusion and accountability,” Young said, soon after he was sworn into office by president Christine Kangaloo.

“We will harness our unique strength, diversity and aspiration to build a future where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. We will put aside differences, leverage our collective experiences and expertise and champion the necessary reforms to transform and strengthen our nation,” said Young, who said he would be naming his new cabinet later on Monday.

Former planning and development minister, Camille Robinson Regis, was sworn in as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Young told the ceremony, attended by his parents, other relatives as well as his two sons, that the cultural and religious diversity of Trinidad and Tobago “offers us a powerful way forward, a new chapter for Trinidad and Tobago.”

Young, who must name the date for the general election constitutionally due by November this year, said he believes in Trinidad and Tobago and “I believe in us as a people.”

“Nowhere else in the world where such profound and dynamic blend of cultural religious diversity that not only co-exists but strives, shapes and strengthens a collective national identity.

“It is this very foundation, our national unity, built on respect, inclusion and shared purpose along with our fighting spirit that I believe holds the power to propel our nation forward. This also the very foundation that shaped a boy born on Upper Henry Street in Port of Spain, into the person who stands before you today, honoured to be the prime minister,” he stated.

He said his parents, which included the former managing director of Scotia Bank here, had taught him to work hard, serve others and take on injustices, “when I had the power to make a difference”.

He said that’s why he studied law adding “it has been my life’s work to fight for the people of this nation and at every step I have borne witness to what we can achieve when we fight together.”

“The challenges of the past have tested our resilience, but they have also revealed the depth of our strength, purpose and our fighting spirit,” said Young, who is expected to outline his new administration’s policy as he leads the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) into the campaign for the next general election, with the main challenger being the United National Congress (UNC).

Meanwhile, Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, who is also chair of the 15-member regional integration movement, CARICOM, welcomed Young, offering heartfelt congratulations on his installation as the eighth Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

”I also warmly welcome him to the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government. We look forward to the continued robust participation of Trinidad and Tobago in shaping and executing CARICOM’s response to current and emerging global affairs, including Energy and Security (Drugs and Illicit Arms), for which Prime Minister Young will have lead responsibility in the CARICOM Quasi-cabinet,“ she said.

Mottley said CARICOM commits its full support as the prime minister and his government continue to chart a stable, secure and prosperous future for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the region.