Hinds makes ministerial debut in Parliament

NEWLY APPOINTED Junior National Security and Trade and Industry Minister, Fitzgerald Hinds, will make his ministerial debut in Parliament when the House of Representatives sits today at 1.30 pm. Hinds was sworn in at President’s House on Tuesday, ending months of speculation about whether Prime Minister Patrick Manning would appoint the Laventille East/Morvant MP as a Government minister. Hinds has been the subject of constant ridicule by the Opposition UNC about that appointment and tomorrow, political pundits will be eager to see whether turnabout is fair play.

Tomorrow is also Private Members Day in the Lower House of Representatives, and debate will continue on a motion by St Joseph MP Gerald Yetming for Parliament to “reaffirm its commitment to the elimination of discrimination in all its forms and the right of the individual to equality of treatment from public authorities.” Princes Town MP Subhas Panday has questions for Works Minister Franklyn Khan and National Security Minister Martin Joseph about the number of motor vehicles registered to use the roads of Trinidad and Tobago and the introduction of computer technology in police vehicles, respectively. When the Lower House next sits on June 11, Health Minister John Rahael will open debate on the Food and Drugs Amendment Bill 2004.