PM postpones Africa trip

FOR THE second time in as many months, matters concerning Chief Justice Sat Sharma has caused Prime Minister Patrick Manning to postpone an official overseas trip.

According to a brief statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon, Manning aborted his scheduled departure for Africa on Friday night and is closely monitoring unfolding events regarding the CJ.

The release stated: “As a result of developments within the last 24 hours, including matters concerning the Chief Justice, Prime Minister Patrick Manning decided to postpone his departure from Trinidad. Prior to his scheduled departure, which was aborted last night (Friday), Prime Minister Manning held exhaustive discussions with the Honourable Dr Lenny Saith and Minister Joan Yuille Williams at the Diplomatic Lounge at Piarco Airport. He has also been in contact with the Attorney General and the Minister of National Security.” Sunday Newsday understands Manning’s suitcase was already checked in for departure.

On May 9, after hearing a complaint from Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls which led to the latest investigation of the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister delayed his departure for Spain and Austria to attend the Spain/Caricom Summit and the Fourth EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit of Heads of State.

Manning, who is due to fly out to Africa early this week, spent yesterday in San Fernando attending to party matters in connection with the appointments of mayors, alderman and chairmen of regional corporations and boroughs.