PM: Marlene will return

UPDATE:

THE Prime Minister yesterday declared the Government is not being irresponsible about information pertaining to Public Administration Minister Marlene McDonald’s health.
Dr Rowley made this declaration at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s. He said there is nothing to suggest that McDonald will be unable to resume her ministerial duties when she she recovers.
Rowley first learnt about McDonald’s health issues from Finance Minister Colm Imbert, while he was attending the 39th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
“The Government made a statement when it became aware of her condition.”
That statement issued by the Communications Ministry last Sunday, said the Office of the Prime Minister was informed that McDonald was hospitalised at St Clair Medical Centre. The PM said, “She remains hospitalised.”
Dr Rowley said he advised President Paula-Mae Weekes to appoint Minister in the Ministry of Finance Allyson West to act for McDonald “given the nature of her hospitalisation and the ability to function in the assignment that she is carrying.”
The PM did not elaborate on the nature of McDonald’s illness.

ORIGINAL STORY:

MINISTER in the Ministry of Finance Allyson West has been appointed to act temporarily as Public Administration Minister. The announcement was made today in a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.

The statement said the Prime Minister advised President Paula Mae-Weekes that McDonald is unable to perform her duties by reason of illness. Dr Rowley asked the President to appoint West to act for McDonald with effect from today and continuing during her illness.

West will perform these duties in addition to her regular ministerial duties. Further details on McDonald's condition were expected to be provided at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann's. The conference was scheduled to take place at 1 pm.