Former THA chief sec still in official residence

Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis has confirmed he is yet to move into his official residence at Hampden, Lowlands, Tobago.

He also said the Chief Secretary’s residence is still being occupied by his predecessor, Kelvin Charles, who resigned on April 30.

Dennis was asked about the issue during Wednesday’s post-executive council news conference at Scarborough Library.

He told reporters occupying the residence is not important.

“Whether I am in the Chief Secretary’s residence or not, what the people of Tobago can be guaranteed is leadership, and excellent leadership at that,” he said.

Dennis added the property does not belong to him as Chief Secretary but to the State.

He added questions about occupancy of the residence should be posed to THA chief administrator Bernadette Solomon-Koroma, who is responsible for the property.

“The important thing is that it doesn’t matter where I live at this time, Tobago will continue to have excellent leadership.”

Asked if Charles was still occupying the residence, Dennis initially said, “Yes,” but did not elaborate.

Pressed on why Charles has not moved out of the residence, he added: “As I said very early on, any questions regarding the residence will be best directed to the chief administrator at this time. So I will prefer not to answer any further questions on where I live and who lives at the residence.”

On whether he is receiving a housing allowance as he is not living at the official residence, Dennis said: “I have not been paid as yet as chief secretary, so I am not sure whether I received a housing allowance or not.”

He said he has asked Solomon-Koroma to consult with the senior state counsel “to ensure whatever decisions are made will be covered by law.”