Kamla Persad completes 12-years as the leader of United National Congress

Kamla Persad Bissessar on Tuesday celebrated the 12-year anniversary of her election as Political Leader of the United National Congress. A special statement was released by Dr Kirk Meighoo, Public Relations Officer, United National Congress, who called the appointment of Kamla Persad as UNC's leader "a moment that watershed in the history of Trinidad and Tobago as a whole".

It was the first time that a woman was elected to lead a major political party in Trinidad and Tobago. It shortly led to the first woman Leader of Opposition and the first woman Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

As Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar initiated revolutionary changes in terms of infrastructural development, education, social protection and development, human and civil rights, and raising the stature of Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage.

Particularly in these dark days that Trinidad and Tobago country faced, the humanity, love, warmth, commitment, and genuine care for every member of society that Kamla Persad-Bissessar embodies is invaluable.

"Congratulations on your historic election and continuing tenure of outstanding leadership! It is truly a milestone worthy of a great celebration," Dr Kirk Meighoo.

Kamla Persad Bissessar is also known as one of the most vocal and strong women leaders in the Caribbean and Latin America. She has gained her reputation not only as the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago but also as a fearless woman who discovered her way through the male-centric politics.

Not only that, in 2011, Kamla Persad-Bissessar was also named the 13th most influential female leader around the world by Time magazine.

Despite having trouble making their earnings, he parents saved enough to make their daughter a lawyer. She received her law degree Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago.

Her father worked as a bookkeeper in Texaco's accounting department, while her mother toiled as a maid and labourer in the cocoa fields, finally saving enough money to open and run a roti shop.