PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar Friday night announced the long-awaited reconfiguration of her two-year-old Cabinet, bringing in an experienced banker as finance minister and the controversial Austin’ Jack” Warner as the new Minister of National Security, and firing two ministers.
On May 24, the Trinidadian leader indicated she planned to “reconfigure” her cabinet. In Friday’s speech to the nation, she said the changes followed meeting with people from “all sectors of society to gather views and opinions from the widest cross-section of the population as possible.”
In swift reaction, Opposition Leader Keith Rowley blasted Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar decision to appoint Warner to the “sensitive post” of overseeing national security, said it “borders on irresponsibility”.
Warner takes over ministerial oversight of the army, police, prisons and immigration service from retired army Brigadier John Sandy who has been dropped from the administration. Senator Emmanuel George has taken up Warner’s responsibility for works and infrastructure. (CMC)
