Trinidad and Tobago gets new prime minister, gov’t

In this Oct. 30, 2011 file photo, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar speaks during a press conference at the end of the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Australia. Persad-Bissessar, the twin-island’s first female prime minister, faces a tough re-election on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 amid complaints that her government has tolerated corruption and failed to curb violent crime. AP FILE PHOTO

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad — A new prime minister has taken office in Trinidad and Tobago after the previous ruling party was voted out in general elections.

David Rowley was sworn in during a brief ceremony Wednesday in the Caribbean country’s capital, Port-of-Spain. His People’s National Movement won 23 seats in the 41-member House of Representatives in Monday’s vote, ousting a coalition led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Faris Al-Rawi was sworn in as attorney general, and retired Maj. Gen. Edmund Dillon took the oath as minister of National Security.

Rowley and his party take power as the country wrestles with slowing growth due to falling prices for its principal exports, natural gas and oil.