PM sorry for missing
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday apologised for her absence at Thursday’s Emancipation Day celebrations in Port-of-Spain. Speaking with reporters following the ceremonial opening of Parliament, Persad-Bissessar said, “My apologies. I am just a human being.” she said. The Prime Minister said she was unwell and she was advised by her doctors to rest.
Noting the $3.38 million Cabinet allocated for this year’s Emancipation celebrations, Persad-Bissessar said she will host a luncheon for Emancipation stakeholders at the Diplomatic Centre next week. She said at the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting in Port-of-Spain earlier this month, Caricom leaders agreed to look at the issues raised about “reparations for slavery.”
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley referred to this issue when he delivered Emancipation and Eid greetings earlier in the House of Representatives.
Persad-Bissessar directed Arts Minister Dr Lincoln Douglas to deliver these greetings on Government’s behalf, when Speaker Wade Mark invited her to do so.
Mark also delivered Emanicipation and Eid greetings.
Government Chief Whip Dr Roodal Moonilal moved that the House be adjourned “to a date and time to be fixed” in keeping with President Anthony Carmona’s earlier call for an 8 am start to Parliament.