Beckles still 'sorting out issues' in New York

HOUSING and Urban Development Minister Pennelope Beckles said on Tuesday she always intended to settle some matters in New York that were unresolved before she returned home in June, was selected as the PNM's Arima candidate and won the seat in the August 10 general election.

Beckles added that a newspaper report on Tuesday about her return to New York blew the whole issue out of proportion.

Beckles served as Trinidad and Tobago's permanent representative to the UN there before the election.

Contacted in New York, she said, "Returning was always a priority."

She added that she was not alerted by Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne or the ministry about the matters mentioned in the report, which concerned unpaid recurring bills.

Beckles said she sought and got the Prime Minister's permission to return to New York "to pack and tie up any outstanding matters."

She had left New York abruptly in June to return home, she recalled.

"As you are aware, our borders remain closed, and New York continues to have its regulations relating to travel. Those are the factors that influenced my travel time."

Browne told Newsday that he has checked in with Beckles on several occasions since she left for the US.

"She indicated that she was trying to stay safe and is making progress with sorting out the issues, despite the challenges and restrictions due to the prevalance of covid19 in New York."