Govt MPs scarce at Memorial Park

Numerous seats reserved for Government MPs remained vacant throughout National Day of Remembrance celebrations at National Memorial Park yesterday. The celebration began with a parade which included the Regiment, Coast Guard, Police Service and Cadet Force. President George Maxwell Richards, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee and Speaker in the House of Representatives Barry Sinanan were among the specially invited guests in attendance. The fully occupied area reserved for Mayors, diplomats and senior officers of the various protective service organisations provided stark contrast to the scant area set aside for Government MPs.

Of the invited MPs, only Chin Lee, Minister of Education Hazel Manning and Minister of Energy Eric Williams were present. Williams informed Newsday that he was unaware of the reason why his colleagues were not in attendance. This came on the heels of the announcement of a 12-member Cabinet reshuffle last Friday. The seats were later filled by eager members of the Girl Guides Association. Dozens of spectators lined the western side of the park to catch a glimpse of the celebration which was marked by the laying of wreaths at the foot of the Memorial Statue by distinguished guests, including Chin Lee, who was performing his last official task as Minister of National Security. Guests were treated to musical interludes by the Bishop Anstey High School Choir and the Regiment Band. While being led out of the park, supporters exclaimed, “That is the man! Good job!” as they pointed at and clapped for the Prime Minister.