De Nobriga: PM’s ‘prerogative’ on who acts in his absence

Communication Minister Symon de Nobriga says it is entirely Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s prerogative who he appoints to act in his absence.

His statement came after Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Stuart Young was made acting prime minister in PM Rowley’s absence, although Minister of Finance Colm Imbert, who in the past served in the role, is in the country. It’s Young’s second stint in the post. He first acted as prime minister at the end of July, when Rowley attended Caricom’s 47th Heads of Government Conference in Grenada.

Last Sunday, the Office of the Prime Minister, while announcing Prime Minister Rowley’s departure to the US for medical tests, said Young would act until Rowley’s return.

During Young’s first stint as acting PM, Imbert was reported to be overseas on vacation.

However, on this occasion of Rowley’s absence, the Finance Minister is in T&. That was confirmed by several officials, including those at the Ministry of Finance. Communication Minister Nobriga, who also confirmed Imbert is in the country, added that the appointment of Young or any other as acting PM was the right of Rowley.

“The appointment of any minister and a minister to act as prime minister is the honourable prime minister’s prerogative.”

Other officials concurred. They added that the United National Congress/People’s Partnership administration, however, took that to the extreme when then-PP prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, appointed Jack Warner, Winston Dookeran, Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, Dr Roodal Moonilal, Errol McLeod, Prakash Ramadhar and Marlene Coudray to act as PM at various times.

Some political sources speculated that Imbert “may be busy with the preparation of the 2025 Budget.”

Young, a frontline Government Minister, has also been appointed to act in another cornerstone position of the Cabinet—as Attorney General—when AG Reginald Armour has been out of the country on previous occasions.

Also acting as Attorney General in recent times has been Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales.

Screenings postponed

until Rowley returns

Meanwhile, PNM officials said they expected Rowley “might” return in time for next Monday’s resumption of the House of Representatives, in the final part of the fourth session of the 12th Parliament. The fifth and final session begins September 13. It was confirmed that nominee screenings—planned for certain areas today (Tuesday)—would be postponed until Rowley’s return. The Prime Minister heads the PNM’s Screening Committee.

The screening process began on August 24 for nominees in nine areas currently held by the Opposition. Out of that exercise, the PNM approved five prospective candidates for Barataria/San Juan, Pointe-a-Pierre, Chaguanas East, Caroni East and St Augustine.

Mayaro was subsequently mandated to return with new nominees today. Moruga/Tableland, Cumuto/Manzanilla and Fyzabad constituency groups were also told to return with prospective candidates. Nominees for the other ten of the UNC’s 19 seats have to be submitted by September 25. Among them, so far, Tabaquite has two nominees—both businessmen. Couva South had no nominees yet but will deal with it by next week.

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