Red House most suitable for Parliament

THE EDITOR: In any sober or sane household or for that matter any organisation decisions of consequence are taken after mature consideration. If such is the case with the Cabinet’s decision to house the Prime Minister’s Office in the Red House it should be an issue for public discussion and deliberation after a proper plan has been submitted and published by Government. The Prime Minister’s Office is at present situated in the recently renovated Whitehall, which is adjacent to Stollmeyer’s Castle. These magnificent pieces of architecture should be maintained in their pristine condition against the backdrop of the Savannah and the Hollows that nature provides. There are ample parking facilities at Whitehall and easy access to the Prime Minister’s residence and for visitors from any part of the country and abroad.

Additionally the location provides greater security and less traffic congestion, particularly when the Prime Minister has the need to use outriders for himself and visiting foreign dignitaries. These buildings are part of our national heritage and ought to be maintained, therefore the cost of repairs are or should be built into the recurring expenditure. The Red House has been the seat of government for some considerable time and has been an integral part of our political history. It is situated adjacent to the judiciary, the various ministerial offices, with easy access to those employed in the administration of government and lends itself to the ceremonial opening of Parliament and other State functions. Unless the foregoing is incorrect any decision to move the Prime Minister’s Office and to then find a place for Parliament makes one wonder if Cabinet is now meeting in St Ann’s. Unless of course there is a reason that the public is not aware of. Or are we now in the process of dispensing with Parliament and replacing it with a maximum leader and the pretender who calls himself father of the nation?

D BREAU
Port-of-Spain