By RICHARDSON DHALAI Monday, June 25 2012

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MAYOR IN WAITING?: Political leader of the Congress of the People (COP) Prakash Ramadhar (left) speaks to deputy Mayor of San Fernando Navi Muradali, ...

CONGRESS of the People (COP) political leader Prakash Ramadhar believes the coalition People’s Partnership Government has been strengthened by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Cabinet reshuffle.

After the COP’s national council meeting at its Charlieville Operations Centre yesterday, Ramadhar said that more COP members had gained ministerial portfolios and the partnership is in a better position to deliver on its campaign promises. He praised the Prime Minister for her recognition that a coalition of parties in government, needs continuous assessment. Flanked by Dr Lincoln Douglas who was elevated from a junior ministerial portfolio to Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Ramadhar said, “We in the COP, feel more fortified.” “A partnership requires continued assessment and attention and the Congress of the People, being one of the co-parents of the Partnership, looks forward to the strengthening of the Partnership because when we work together and deliver on what we had committed to, Trinidad and Tobago will gain.”

The COP’s Jamal Mohammed has been made Communications Minister while Ganga Singh has been given the portfolio of Water Resources and the Environment.

Ramadhar pointed out that Singh’s ministry is critical as the world focusses on the limited supply of fresh water.

Asked to comment on the perceived demotion of the party’s founder Winston Dookeran who had the Finance Ministry taken from him for that of Foreign Affairs, Ramadhar said that in the contrary, Dookeran was “quite pleased” with his new assignment and does not regard it as a demotion.

“I have spoken to Mr Dookeran and he is quite pleased. You have put it as a removal, but he has put it as a different placement,” Ramadhar said.