THIS IS A POST FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Mr. Stuart Youngs Key Campaign Mistakes
(Someone had to say #5 out loud, even though it's a tough one to admit)
1. Poor PR for Past Work
We’ve beaten this dead horse a thousand times, but here it is again.
- Problem: Stuart Young had already done good work in government but failed to communicate it effectively. This had to be done from the very first day in office.
- Impact: Without strong messaging and proof of his achievements, people doubted his ability to lead. He had to prove his work helped everyone. Not just with a quick video or press release, but daily. Relentless advertising on Print media, TV, radio and social media. Everywhere. Former ministers did the same and cost the party the elections.
2. Too Many Familiar Faces in Government
- And to think some of those same faces he trusted didn't want to work with him in the first place.
- Problem: His proposed cabinet or team included many of the same politicians from the previous administration. It signal no real change.
- Impact: People wanted new leadership and fresh ideas, not a reshuffling of the same players. This made his campaign seem uninspiring to many including PNM voters.
3. He Needed More Time to Prove Himself as PM Material
- Problem: Stuart Young hadn’t yet built a clear, independent track record as a leader capable of running the entire country. While he had experience as a minister (Energy, National Security), many voters saw him more as a competent deputy than a ready-made PM. He needed more years of visible, decisive leadership to shake off doubts before calling the elections.
- Impact:
- "Too Soon, Too Fast" Perception – Many felt he was rushing for power without having earned it through long-term, nation-defining leadership.
- No Signature Legacy – Unlike leaders who spent years shaping major policies (e.g., Rowley with COVID, Manning with Vision 2020), Young lacked a defining achievement that made people say, "He’s the one who can fix T&T."
4. Controversial Promises (Baptiste Church & Dead Divers’ Family)
- Problem: Promising financial support to specific groups (like the Baptiste Church and families of deceased divers) came across as politically opportunistic rather than genuine policy.
- Impact: Voters are tired of old-style politics where handouts are used to secure votes. This likely made him seem like more of the same instead of a fresh leader.
5. Dr. Rowley’s Overexposure on the Campaign Trail
I love this man called Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley eh. This is why I almost feel bad saying it, but he should've stayed away and stayed quiet after his first retirement.
- Problem: While Dr. Rowley was a great PM, his constant presence in the campaign may have overshadowed Stuart Young and reminded voters of the past administration.
- Impact: Many voters were fatigued by Dr. Rowley’s leadership and wanted change. Even he, Dr. Rowley alluded to this fact. There's usually a 10 year cycle of political leadership in Trinidad. His involvement made Stuart Young seem like a continuation rather than a new direction. Nothing wrong with continuing his policies but it was not a good Campaign Strategy to have him present on the trail.
If Mr. Young runs again, he would need to:
Distance himself from old politics (avoid cash promises, bring in new faces).
Improve his PR (showcase his work effectively and consistently visible. Prove that his policies will benefit all citizens. Strengthen his support young supporters).
Stand independently (not rely too much on Dr. Rowley's support. Formulate his own agenda and policies).