Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport Ashwin Creed was still out of the country yesterday and is not expected to return to work today.So said a source close to Creed yesterday. The source said Creed's family matter was taking longer than expected and he was expected to remain abroad for a while longer. No details were given.Creed, who is in the United States, was originally expected to return yesterday.
Last Friday, Sport Minister Anil Roberts said Creed had not taken leave for 12 years.Creed's initial leave of absence was due to end on May 23 but he did not show up for work on May 26 and sought additional leave until June 30.Head of the Public Service and PS to the Prime Minister Reynold Cooper was unavailable for comment yesterday as he is out of the country on official business. He is due to return to work tomorrow.Former PS in the Tourism Ministry Juliana Johan-Boodram is acting for Cooper. She was transferred to the OPM earlier this month shortly after it was reported she had left the country to attend a football match between the Soca Warriors and Argentina but had not informed Cooper. She replaced PS Joan Mendez who was transferred to Tourism.