Laryngitis gone, but PM still speechless

Although his attack of laryngitis appears to be gone, Prime Minister Patrick Manning remained mum yesterday on the resignation of Labour Minister Lawrence Achong or who will replace him. Manning was the feature speaker at yesterday’s launch of the National HIV/AIDS Plan and the Coordinating Committee charged with its implementation. At the end of the formal ceremony, reporters approached him seeking his comments after a weekend of silence from him  on the issue, during which he claimed then to have lost his voice. He did not speak to reporters about the issue at International Women’s Day celebrations hosted by non-governmental organisations at Crowne Plaza, nor at the CEPEP rally at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

However, he was able to deliver speeches at both events. Yesterday, Manning admitted that his throat had improved, but when questioned about the successor to the Labour portfolio, Manning replied: “I am not in a position to say anything at this stage. I will talk to you when I am able to.” The former Labour Minister resigned last Friday because of a rift with the Cabinet on the implementation of a sectoral wage increase and his support of Atlantic LNG workers’  protest for higher wages. On Monday, Achong said he would have to review his relationship with the Government and People’s National Movement after a large contingent of armed policemen and soldiers were sent to the protest site at Point Fortin.