ENERGY Minister Stuart Young is expected to be sworn in as prime minister at President's House, St Ann's on March 17, the day after Dr Rowley resigns as PM.

While the PNM is expected to present its candidates at Woodford Square on March 16, it is not clear whether Rowley will use this forum to announce the date for this year's general election or leave that responsibility to Young after he succeeds him.

Rowley is due to return home from California, where he and his wife Sharon are on vacation, on March 9. These were the comments from senior government and PNM officials, speaking under strict condition of anonymity, on March 7.