PM distances self from PNM Tobago issues

A BRIEF press release from the Office of the Prime Minister on Sunday, sought to distance Prime Minister Dr Rowley from the issue of who will be the new Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), after Kelvin Charles demitted office last Thursday.

The release, titled: Prime Minister Not Involved in THA Leadership Matter, stated that Rowley is in Tobago on a "private stay home” visit and has "absolutely nothing" to do with the Tobago House of Assembly’s issue of leadership.

The release ended that saying that contrary to media speculation, Rowley will not be meeting with or communicating with the PNM's Tobago Council Executive which is headed by PNM Tobago political leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine.

The press release from the Office of the Prime Minister was in response to a Sunday Newsday story which stated that Rowley is in Tobago reportedly to hold talks with PNM Tobago Council member following Charles' departure.

Tobago Chamber head and attorney, Martin George, said he is concerned over the vacuum caused by Charles' departure saying that the circumstances surrounding Charles' exit, is not covered in the THA Act. The resignation has left operations of the executive council dormant, George said as he called for an urgent review of the legislation.

Davidson-Celestine, at a news conference on Friday, said Deputy Chief Secretary Joel Jack will act as Chief Secretary until a substantive one is appointed. Davidson-Celestine also said the legislature is working to ensure the Assembly is reconvened in the shortest possible time to select a new Chief Secretary. Davidson-Celestine, is expected to meet with THA assemblymen on Monday at the PNM’s Scarborough headquarters to discuss the issue of Charles' successor.