Thursday, March 17, 2016

PM Fires Marlene

Housing Minister Marlene McDonald has been fired
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley acted a short while ago in the face of fresh allegations revealed in an exclusive Express story in yesterday's Express.

While there had been previous allegations in the public domain against this minister, Rowley said in an interview on CNC3 News last night that he could not ignore the “new” revelations which had surfaced. 

"An issue had surfaced sometime before and certain adjudications were made (by the Integrity Commission). [But] This morning (in the newspaper) I saw what appears to be new information and I spent the day looking at it. And I just want to give the assurance to the national community, that if the facts bear out what is there (in the article) and I have to take action, then I will," he said.

He added: “I don't know why there is any expectation that if action is required, borne out by facts, that I would not act. All members of Parliament are responsible for their own conduct."
In a release just issued, the Office of the Prime Minister advised:
“Please be informed that His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister under subsection (3) of section 76,subsection (1)of section 79, subsection (9) of section 3 and subsection (3) (c) of section 77 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has revoked the appointment of Ms. Marlene Mc Donald as Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
The Prime Minister has also advised His Excellency on the following:
- to reassign Mr. Randall Mitchell from Minister with responsibility for Public Administration to Minister with responsibility for Housing and Urban Development

- to reassign Mr. Maxie Cuffie from Minister with responsibility for Communication to Minister with responsibility for Public Administration and Communication
- to assign Mr. Stuart Young as Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. This is in addition to his current portfolio as Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General
Well it took him long enough. Apparently there must be a mountain of allegations and evidence before any action is taken by this new political regime. I look forward to further action on other allegations that have popped up against other sitting Ministers.