President gets to know Independent senators over tea

(Centre) President Paula-Mae Weekes gets to know the Independent Bench of TT's Parliament during an afternoon of Engligh High Tea at the President's Cottage, St Ann's on April 12. 
Independent Senators (left to right): Jennifer Raffoul; Sophia Chote SC; Taurel Shrikissoon; Hugh Russel Ian Roach; David Small; Melissa Ramkissoon; Stephen Creese; Paul Richards; and Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir. PHOTO COURTESY THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT.
(Centre) President Paula-Mae Weekes gets to know the Independent Bench of TT's Parliament during an afternoon of Engligh High Tea at the President's Cottage, St Ann's on April 12. Independent Senators (left to right): Jennifer Raffoul; Sophia Chote SC; Taurel Shrikissoon; Hugh Russel Ian Roach; David Small; Melissa Ramkissoon; Stephen Creese; Paul Richards; and Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir. PHOTO COURTESY THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT.

PRESIDENT Paula-Mae Weekes took some time yesterday afternoon to acquaint herself with Independent senators over English High Tea.

The idea to meet over tea came from coordinator of the Independent bench, Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir. The Office of the President said that on February 2, Mahabir had requested a one-on-one meeting with then President-elect Weekes “to discuss matters of relevance to the Independent bench.”

“Following upon the request...Her Excellency has decided to take the opportunity to make the acquaintance of the Independent bench since, aside from the two attorneys – Senators (Sophia) Chote and (Ian) Roach­ – President Weekes is unfamiliar with their membership.”

In attendance were Mahabir – seated opposite Weekes at the other end of the rectangular table, Chote, Stephen Creese, Jennifer Raffoul, Melissa Ramkissoon, Paul Richards, Roach, Taurel Shrikissoon and David Small.

The table of scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream served during President Paula-Mae Weekes' Engligh High Tea with the Independent Bench of TT's Parliament at the President's Cottage, St Ann's on April 12.
The idea to meet over tea came from Coordinator of the
Independent Bench, Senator Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir. PHOTO COURTESY THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT.

Newsday understands the invitation was for 3.30 pm at the President’s Cottage, St Ann’s. After about half an hour of pre-tea mingling, the senators and Weekes sat down and began talking in more detail over a traditional fare of orange cranberry scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream.

The menu also included smoked salmon sandwiches, turkey croissants, lemon poppy seed loaf (cake) with an orange liqueur glaze, mini fruit tarts and fresh fruit medley in mini puff pastry cups.

Approximately two hours later, at 6 pm, the afternoon of English High Tea ended but details were not available, up to late yesterday, of the issues discussed by the President and the senators.

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"President gets to know Independent senators over tea"

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