New Labour Minister ready for ‘wildcats’

NEW LABOUR Minister Anthony Roberts declared himself ready for the challenge of resolving the seven-week long Atlantic LNG (ALNG) Train Four strike and other burning issues on the labour front, but declined to reveal his strategy to do so. Roberts received his letter of appointment from President George Maxwell Richards at President’s House yesterday, one week after Point Fortin MP Larry Achong resigned from the post. Speaking afterwards with reporters, Roberts said Prime Minister Patrick Manning had briefed him about the current labour climate in TT.

“The Prime Minister refers to it as cloudy. All I can say is that I am up to the challenge. I am not prepared to say more at this time because I would want the opportunity to go into the Ministry to see what transpired and to hold discussions with the Prime Minister before I can make a full presentation to the press and the national community. As of this time, I can assure you that I am up to the task. While I might be new to the position I can tell you that I am not new to the politics. I am here to serve in any capacity that the Prime Minister feels I am able to do so,” he declared. 

Asked whether he would become directly involved in efforts to end the ALNG Train Four strike, the new Minister replied: “I prefer to get into the Ministry before I take any particular position on any issue as it relates to negotiations in the country.” Roberts echoed Manning’s views that implementing a minimum sectoral wage increase was not advisable at this time, but gave the assurance that “we (Cabinet) are going to have discussions on it shortly.” He avoided expressing any personal views on the myriad of labour issues currently facing TT. “I work with a team and I work with the Government,” Roberts added. Also yesterday, Junior Social Development Minister Diane Seukeran returned to her former portfolio as Junior Trade and Industry Minister while Tobago East MP Eudine Job-Davis was sworn in as Junior Community Development and Culture Minister.