Young defends ‘hot foot’ Rowley

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young has defended Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley from criticism by Princes Town MP Barry Padarath who said Rowley is a “hotfoot” who made his 18th overseas trip since taking office.

Padarath said Rowley went to Belize at a time when Trinidad is still reeling from almost a week of daily flooding in several parts.

“The Prime Minister is going in his official capacity to carry out official duties and to represent Trinidad and Tobago at a very important Caricom meeting. That is something the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago should applaud. We don’t respond to those types of press releases,” Young said on Tuesday.

The conference is one with Caricom leaders and Mexico to discuss issues including security and how to mitigate against natural disasters.

In his statement on the weekend, Padarath told Rowley that, “charity begins at home” as he called on the PM to remain in Trinidad and coordinate disaster relief efforts with the State agencies tasked to so do. Rowley left on Monday for Belize and returns home today.