Charles loses THA education portfolio

Kelvin Charles has suffered a double-whammy.

When he stepped down as Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary on Thursday, he also lost his position as Secretary for Education, Innovation and Energy, according to Health, Wellness and Family Development Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine.

She made the revelation on Friday at the division's virtual news conference at the Scarborough Library.

Davidson-Celestine said while Charles will retain his position as an assemblyman and representative for the Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden, he no longer holds the education portfolio.

"He is still an assemblyman and responsible for his electoral district and as the chief secretary, you are automatically given a division. As you know, he served as secretary with responsibilities for education, so after demitting office that portfolio would have also become vacant as well," she told reporters.

Charles, who lost the leadership of the PNM's Tobago Council in a runoff election against Davidson-Celestine on January 26, resigned as chief secretary on Thursday.

In a statement from the Office of the Chief Secretary, Charles thanked Tobagonians for placing their confidence in him during his three-year stewardship.

Davidson-Celestine could not say if his resignation letter will be made public.

"I can't say whether the letter of resignation will be made public. That is to be determined by Mr Charles himself."

Newsday understands Davidson-Celestine has summoned assemblymen to a meeting at the PNM's Tobago headquarters, uptown Scarborough on Monday at noon, presumably to discuss the selection of a new Chief Secretary.

Deputy Chief Secretary Joel Jack is said to be in the running for the position.

Speculation was rife on Friday that Assistant Health Secretary and Buccoo/Mt Pleasant representative Ancil Dennis is also being considered.

When contacted, Dennis said: "Take those as rumours because the only confirmation of a Chief Secretary will come after the election in the House. So, please await the appointed time when a special sitting will be called and a new Chief Secretary elected."

Davidson-Celestine confirmed Jack, who supported her in the runoff election against Charles for the Tobago PNM Council leadership, will act as Chief Secretary.

She also said the Assembly Legislature is working to ensure the House convenes soon to select a new leader.

"At this point we are following the procedures that have been set out in the Tobago House of Assembly Act," she said.

"I know the Assembly Legislature is at this time engaged all of the particular nuances and working towards ensuring that we can have the Chief Secretary in the shortest possible time frame."