Achong is still member of PNM

Larry Achong’s resignation as Labour Minister is not expected to affect the PNM, neither is it a signal of other resignations  to come. This was the view strongly expressed by Point Fortin PNM Chairman Abdon Mason. Mason also said he was convinced Achong, the MP for Point Fortin, would not leave the party and  dismissed any notion Achong’s resignation would be followed by that of others in the PNM. He said, “ PNM and it’s members are a disciplined unit, we stand by the  ideals of the party. We are first and foremost PNM people, we pledge our support to the party  and the leadership.”

Mason, who has been a party colleague of Achong since 1987, also said there are no attempts to find a replacement for Achong and insisted, “We are not thinking about who  would replace Mr Achong, he is our MP until 2007 and we are not looking for anyone to  replace him.” He added, “He is still a member of the party, he is not going anywhere, I am steadfast on that position.” The Point Fortin PNM Chairman said he  would not be able to comment on any  reported attempts to have Achong return as the Labour Minister as that matter was not a  “party issue.” “That is between him (Achong) and the Prime Minister.” On March 12, Achong resigned as Labour Minister citing conflict with the government over wages  for workers at Atlantic LNG. However up to Thursday, in a post Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Patrick Manning said he had  not accepted the resignation of Achong, and as far as he was concerned Achong was still the Minister of Labour.