Trinidad PM rescinds appointment of new public utilities minister
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley Monday said he had asked President Anthony Carmona to revoke the appointment of the new Public Utilities Minister, Robert La Hunte, less than 72 hours after he was appointed to the post.
Le Hunte was sworn into office last Thursday, replacing Rowley who had held on to the position after he had dismissed attorney Marlene McDonald for a second time in 16 months, earlier this year.
In a brief statement, the Office of the Prime Minister noted that it had come to the attention of Prime Minister that La Hunte, a former banker in Ghana, was also a citizen of that African country.
“Accordingly he is not qualified under section 42(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to be appointed as a senator. Accordingly, the Honourable Prime Minister has so informed the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” the statement said.
It added that Le Hunte would be rectifying his position and once that is done the prime minister would reappoint him as a senator and as minister.
“Under these circumstances, until the matter is rectified, the Honourable Prime Minister will assume the portfolio of Minister of Public Utilities. It is expected that this situation will be rectified by Friday 1, September, 2017,” said the statement.
