THE Prime Minister celebrated his 75th birthday on October 24 in Samoa where he is currently attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Dr Rowley left for the CHOGM on October 21.
The CHOGM runs from October 21-26.
The formal opening ceremony takes place on October 25 and features an address by King Charles III to Commonwealth leaders.
Leaders will meet between October 25-26, with their respective foreign affairs ministers meeting in parallel sessions.
Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne and TT's High Commissioner to the UK, Vishnu Dhanpaul, accompanied Rowley to the CHOGM.
The closing executive session and concluding news conference take place on October 26.
The time difference between Samoa and TT is 17 hours.
Among the first to wish Rowley a happy birthday was Energy Minister Stuart Young, who has been appointed to act as prime minister during Rowley's absence.
In a Facebook post, Young said, "Wishing Dr the honourable Keith Rowley a Happy Birthday and God’s continued blessings. A leader and patriot extraordinaire."
He added, "Thank you for all that you have given and continue to give to Trinidad and Tobago. Wishing you many, many more. Blessings Doc!"
The PNM also sent birthday wishes to Rowley.
In a statement on October 24, the PNM said, "May God continue to bless and keep you, Dr Rowley as you lead our Republic to bigger and better things. And may you continue to inspire Trinidad and Tobago with your thoughts, words and deeds."
Rowley was born on October 24, 1949, in Mason Hall, Tobago.
He was raised by his grandparents, who were prominent Tobago farmers.
Rowley completed his secondary schooling at Bishop’s High School (BHS) Tobago and his sterling academic performance saw him capture the prestigious Sylvan Bowles Scholarship at BHS.
He then commenced his studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, where he graduated with a BSc in Geology (first class honours), Geography (first class honours); MSc in Volcanic Stratigraphy, UWI, St Augustine.
Rowley is a vulcanologist who obtained his doctorate in geology, specialising in geochemistry.
He is a known nature lover who enjoys gardening, hiking and is an avid golfer.
Rowley was first elected prime minister on September 7, 2015, when he led the PNM to victory in that year's general election.
He is TT's 7th prime minister.
Rowley's predecessors were Dr Eric Williams, George Chambers, Arthur NR Robinson, Patrick Manning, Basdeo Panday and Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
All are deceased except for Persad-Bissessar.
Birthday wishes were also extended to Rowley during holy mass at the Archbishop's Chapel in Port of Spain on October 24.
Rowley's 75th birthday comes against a background of questions over his political future.
During the budget debate in the House of Representatives on October 10, Rowley said the debate could be his last one and the reward he sought at the end of the rainbow was his family and not a pot of gold.
Rowley first hinted at political retirement
