THE MOVEMENT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE (MSJ) is condemning Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s decision not to attend the CARICOM-Cuba summit and says she must give a reason for her absenteeism.
Yesterday, MSJ political leader David Abdulah said Persad-Bissessar missed out on an opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the summit held on Monday in Havana, Cuba.
In a press release, Abdulah said: “Cuba has been rebuffed at the precise time that Cuba has, at the request of Trinidad and Tobago, provided hundreds of health care professionals to assist with the shortage of personnel in the public service. Cuba has also volunteered to train our professionals and assist CARICOM countries in becoming prepared for the threat of Ebola.
“This is just one part of Cuba’s assistance to Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the Caribbean. The least that this country could have done is to demonstrate mutual respect to the Cuban head of government and head of state by attending the summit hosted by him.”
He said Persad-Bissessar’s absence from the summit meant the Government was not serious about building and strengthening relations and integration in the Caribbean region, adding that Trinidad and Tobago companies have large investments throughout the Caribbean.
The deportation OF CARICOM nationals by the Immigration Department was also not contributing to better relationships with other Caribbean countries, Abdulah said.
Abdulah said: “The Prime Minister needs to explain to the country why she has fallen down on her responsibilities, why Heads of Missions have not been appointed and why she did not attend the summit. Surely giving out toys is not a reason why she did not attend a one-day summit in Cuba, nor can she point to any apparent emergency here that could have prevented her from leaving the country. “
Last week, during a media conference, Abdulah said there were five cities without a Head of Mission (Ambassador or High Commissioner) and he called for those posts to be filled. (Express)
