Hilarian Family in the Political Spotlight!

Newly elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago and leader of the People's National Movement, Dr. Keith Rowley, is flanked by his Hilarian leading ladies, Sonel (left), Sharon and Tonya.
Photo credit: Lori Borde Photography.

Bishop Anstey High School has once again been catapulted into a leading role - this time, it's in Trinidad & Tobago's political landscape, and involves one of the highest government offices in the land!

For those of you who have been unaware, the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago recently hosted a hotly contended General Elections. Hundreds of thousands of voters flocked to their respective polling stations in constituencies throughout The Republic to have their say in government leadership for the next five years.

In the end, one party stood above the rest. And one political leader emerged victorious - who happens to have a very strong supporting cast of Hilarian Women at his side for this new career journey.

We present to you: Prime Minister-Elect, Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley, and his beautiful family!

Born and raised in Tobago, Dr. Rowley completed his secondary schooling at Bishop's High School, (BHS) in the sister isle and his sterling academic performance saw him capture the prestigious Sylvan Bowles Scholarship at Bishop’s High School. He then commenced his studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, from where he graduated with a BSc. Geology (First Class Honours), Geography (First Class Honours); MSc in Volcanic Stratigraphy, UWI, St. Augustine. He is a Volcanologist who obtained his Doctorate in Geology, specialising in Geochemistry.
Dr. Rowley switched gears to the arena of politics in 1986. He is a known nature lover, who enjoys gardening, hiking and is an avid golfer.

Here's the Hilarian Connection!
 
Dr. Rowley has been married to attorney-at-law Sharon Rowley for 30 years. Mrs. Rowley specializes in real-estate law and very active on the legal reform front, as it relates to conveyancing and commercial agreements.

Dr. and Mrs. Rowley at a PNM political rally in September 2015.

Their first daughter, Tonya Rowley-Cuffy, is also an attorney-at-law, having studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science for her Masters of Law. Currently, she specializes in Corporate and Commercial Law.

Prime Minister-Elect Dr Keith Rowley poses with his wife, Sharon and daughter Tonya after Tonya was called to the Bar in October 2009. To their right is the Sinanan family, including House Speaker Barry Sinanan (second from right), his wife Gail (right) and daughter Caroline (third from right). Photo credit: Trinidad Newsday.

The youngest of the Rowley family clan, Sonel, is currently a post graduate student. Sonel is pursuing her PhD in Education Psychology at Fordham University in New York.

It is worth nothing that both Sonel and Tonya have won national scholarships after completing major examinations at Bishop Anstey High, while being heavily involved in football (as captains of the school's team) and track and field during their high school years. The daughters are also both artists, having displayed an art exhibition in the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago in 2013.

Dr. Rowley will be sworn in as the 7th Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday 9th September 2015 at Queen's Hall, St. Ann's, from 1:30pm.

In her powerful speech addressing attendees at the PNM's Tobago Council Women's Forum earlier this year, Mrs. Rowley passionately stated that "(...) when women are empowered as political leaders, countries experience higher standards of living; positive development can be seen in education, infrastructure and health; and their participation positively affects communities, legislatures, and citizens' lives." 

Spoken like a true Hilarian, ready to lead the way. This is definitely a powerhouse family that has made the Hilarian community very proud.
Congratulations!