PSA sees strategy in Rowley’s new portfolio

The Public Services Association (PSA) Friday said the assignment of the Housing Ministry to Dr Keith Rowley is a strategic move. “Housing is key to the PNM winning the next election, housing is important to the average man and woman, everyone wants to have shelter over their heads,” PSA President Jennifer Baptiste-Primus said in a telephone interview. The PSA believes the Prime Minister moved Rowley so the party could win the next election. Baptiste-Primus said the media was on target in predicting the changes to the Ministries of Health, National Security and Office of the Attorney General, but she too was surprised by the major Cabinet reshuffle which took place. She said there is a bit of “Machiavelli” in the PM. Baptiste-Primus had kudos for former Housing Minister Martin Joseph’s placement as new Minister of National Security saying, the Prime Minister understood what is necessary to reassure the population that safety is uppermost in the Government’s mind.

“He (Joseph) is a strategic thinker and that is what is required.” She said of the reassignment of National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee to the Ministry of Tourism, “that is where he should have been in the first place.” Pennelope Beckles’ appointment as Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment was viewed positively. “She has an incisive mind. I admire her quiet efficiency, she is not a person with flare and panache, but in the final analysis efficiency is the bottom line.” One change which the PSA is unhappy with is the removal of Health Minister Colm Imbert since he has been doing a good job. Baptiste-Primus thanked him for what he has done in the health sector. Although the PSA has not always agreed with everything Imbert did, she said the union was able to rationalise issues with dialogue. Baptiste-Primus said the PSA will be watching the new Health Minister, John Rahael, to see how he works. She admitted that the health portfolio is one of the most challenging. She hoped he does not intend to meet with the Medical Professionals Association of TT (MPATT) because it is not a recognised union. The PSA President said Rahael will have do a great deal of work building the confidence of workers in the health sector.