On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar officially swore in her new Cabinet, marking a significant shift in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape. Among the newly appointed ministers are Ernesto Kesar and Clyde Elder, both former trade union leaders who secured historic victories in the traditionally PNM-held constituencies of Point Fortin and La Brea, respectively.
Their appointments underscore the growing influence of labor movements in national governance. Ernesto Kesar: From Petrotrin to the Ministry of EnergyErnesto Kesar’s journey to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries is deeply rooted in his extensive experience within Trinidad and Tobago’s oil sector.
As a former employee of Petrotrin, Kesar witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by workers in the energy industry. His tenure as President of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) Trinmar branch and later as the union’s Executive Vice-President highlighted his commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, especially during the controversial closure of Petrotrin in 2018.
In the 2025 general elections, Kesar contested the Point Fortin seat under the United National Congress (UNC) banner, securing a landmark victory. His appointment as Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries is seen as a testament to his dedication to the sector and its workforce.
Kesar aims to leverage his firsthand experience to implement policies that prioritize sustainable job creation, fair labor practices, and community development within the energy sector. Clyde Elder: Championing Public Utilities ReformClyde Elder’s appointment as Minister of Public Utilities brings a seasoned trade unionist’s perspective to the Cabinet.
Elder is widely recognized for his tenure as Secretary General of the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU), where he championed the rights of telecommunications and postal workers across Trinidad and Tobago. His unwavering commitment to employee welfare was evident even in challenging circumstances, such as when he faced physical removal from TSTT’s headquarters while addressing worker grievances.
Elder’s political journey saw him transition from the labor-based Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) to the UNC, under which he contested and won the La Brea constituency. His victory, alongside Kesar’s, marked a significant shift in the political dynamics of traditionally PNM-dominated areas.
As Minister of Public Utilities, Elder is poised to advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to essential services, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and transparent governance. A New Era of Labor Representation
The inclusion of Kesar and Elder in the Cabinet reflects a broader trend of integrating labor perspectives into national policymaking. Their appointments are part of the UNC’s broader strategy to form a “Coalition of Interests,” bringing together various stakeholders, including trade unions, to address the nation’s pressing challenges.
This coalition played a pivotal role in the UNC’s success in the 2025 general elections, where the party secured 26 out of 41 seats in the House of Representatives. As Trinidad and Tobago embarks on this new chapter, the leadership of Kesar and Elder in their respective ministries signals a commitment to inclusive governance, rooted in the principles of social justice and equitable development.