Khan offers to help Imbert

Imbert’s appointment to the portfolio he held in Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s first administration (1991 to 1995) was the highlight of the much-anticipated but eventually anti-climatic Cabinet reshuffle which Manning announced on Saturday through a statement from his Whitehall office in Port-of-Spain.

Other changes included Mustapha Abdul Hamid ( Science, Technology and Tertiary Education), Christine Kangaloo (Legal Affairs), Danny Montano (Labour) and Anthony Roberts (Social Development). All other ministerial portfolios remained unchanged. In response to the accolades and advice he had received, Imbert smiled, shrugged his shoulders and said: "I was having fun where I was (as Science, Technology and Tertiary Education Minister)." However, Imbert added that he was ready to handle his new responsibilities.

Addressing the post-General Council news conference, PNM chairman Franklin Khan (Imbert’s immediate predecessor) said: "Once he calls, I’m available. You know I’m home these days resting." Khan said Imbert did not discuss any matters with him pertaining to the Works and Transport Ministry following yesterday’s General Council meeting but said Imbert may do so once he gets settled into the ministry. He added that there was no discussion about the Cabinet reshuffle during the segment of the meeting which he chaired. PNM vice-chairman John Donaldson chaired the portion of the General Council meeting that discussed allegations made against Khan and Energy Minister Eric Williams by PNM councillor Dansam Dhansook.

No longer having ministerial duties to attend to, Khan said he was now developing a new schedule that would allow him to monitor projects in his Ortoire/Mayaro constituency on a closer level. Khan also expressed his thanks to his constituents for a rally held in his support at the Mayaro recreation ground.

At yesterday’s General Council meeting, the party nominated Andre Monteil to replace the late Anthony Jacelon as party treasurer.