Prime Minister Stuart Young has shared a statement addressing allegations of him being a bully while attending secondary school in the 90s.

The claims emerged on social media yesterday, and included clippings which state that another student was expelled after confronting Mr Young, who was accused of bullying the student.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Mr Young said it was unfortunate that the incident resurfaces in a way that “does not allow for a full and fair discussion”.

He adds that the incident was traumatic for everyone involved and insists the public’s interest is not served by politicizing an issue as sensitive as bullying.

His full statement is as follows:

The issue of bullying in this country is unfortunately real and one that I take very seriously as a father and now as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

It is deeply unfortunate that an incident which occurred when I was a teenaged school boy has resurfaced in a way that does not allow for a full and fair discussion. This incident was traumatic for everyone involved.

People are shaped by their experiences and I have no intention of minimizing anyone’s feelings, even my own, on this matter, some 33 years later.

The public’s interest is not served by politicizing an issue as sensitive as bullying, which deserves thoughtful discussion and meaningful solutions.

Let’s focus on writing the next chapter in which we work to ensure that our schools are safe spaces where all children can feel protected and get the support that is needed.

That is my commitment to Trinidad and Tobago.
Stuart R. Young, SC
March 19, 2025