Glenn a vibrant minister

At the same time, Dookeran stated he was in support of Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar’s decision to sack Ramadharsingh after reports of poor conduct on an inter-island flight.

“It is a political matter and the Prime Minister, after assessing, has come to a decision,” Dookeran told reporters at his offices at the International Waterfront Centre, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, after a press conference on bi-lateral talks with Mexico. “The Prime Minister has made a political judgement and I support her decision.”

Dookeran further stated, “I do wish to indicate, however, that Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh was one of the most vibrant and effective ministers and I feel very sad that he is no longer discharging that function.”

Including Ramadharsingh, there have been nine ministers who were fired or not re-appointed to their post under the People’s Partnership administration. These include: Mary King (Planning and Development); Therese Baptiste Cornelis (Health); Retired Brigadier John Sandy (National Security); Rudrawtee Nan Ramgoolan (Public Admin-

istration); Colin Partap (in the — Ministry of National Security); Verna St Rose-Greaves (Gender); Christlyn Moore and Herbert Volney (Ministry of Justice).

Former Minister of National Security Jack Warner voluntarily handed in his resignation in April last year and that resignation was accepted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Persad-Bissessar has now taken up Ramadharsingh’s post.

While Dookeran lamented the departure of Ramadharsingh, Chaguanas West MP Warner welcomed the dismissal.

“The revocation of the ministerial appointment of Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh is a reminder of the immense power that ordinary citizens hold,” Warner said in a press release. “His firing from the Cabinet of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a victory for the people and the triumph of justice.”

Warner continued, “The fact that so many citizens came forward to condemn Dr Ramadharsingh’s behaviour shows that the psyche of the population is changing for the better. Politicians and other public figures must recognise that the public is more vigilant than ever before and they are demanding the highest standards of conduct and performance from public officials.”

The Chaguanas West MP, who was accused of fraud and deceit in his football affairs even up to his tenure as a Cabinet minister, further stated, “The ILP continues its calls for all citizens to keep raising their voices in condemnation of wrongdoing and misbehaviour wherever it is found to exist.”

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"Glenn a vibrant minister"

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