Manning: ‘No comment’ on Cabinet reshuffle

PRIME Minister Patrick Manning yesterday refused comment on reports of an impending Cabinet reshuffle. But he did not deny the report.

Newsday sources confirmed that Manning intends to move Attorney General Glenda Morean and National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee. Manning, questioned about the report during a press conference following the PNM’s General Council meeting, said “I don’t wish to comment.” The reason given for no comment was: “A Cabinet reshuffle was always an option available to a Prime Minister.” He added that the PM would look at his government to see whether it was operating in accordance with the set objectives, something that was not only done here in Trinidad but the world over. He insisted he did not wish to “further comment.”

Asked about reports that Guyana was acceding to the request from the US government not to hand US prisoners of war over to the International Criminal Court, Manning said he had seen reports which stated “that it is not so, therefore I do not know what the facts are and I prefer not to speculate.” Asked about a visit he is expected to make to Washington to hold talks with President George W Bush on the US stance to deny countries in support of the ICC military aid, Manning said he wished not to talk about that. He also refused to talk about the self-imposed curfew by the San Juan Business Association, saying he is expected to meet with business organisations “very shortly.”