Transport Minister Devant Maharaj cannot blame the PNM for placing his ministry at Nicholas Towers as the ministry did not exist under the PNM, says PNM MP Dr Amery Browne. "The PP administration created the ministry only three weeks ago and placed the ministry at Nicholas Towers," he said. Commenting on Maharaj's statements on Tuesday about the placement of the ministry at Nicholas Towers, Browne, accusing Maharaj of trying to deceive the public, added: "In complaining that the UNC 'inherited the lease from the PNM,' Maharaj is following the Prime Minister's modus operandi of blaming the PNM wherever convenient.
"Maharaj should be advised that this government did not come into office three weeks ago when his brand new ministry was created, but has been in office for 14 months now," he said. "It would appear Maharaj became uncomfortable when the media began questioning the fact the new ministry is being accommodated at Nicholas Towers at the same time George Nicholas is chairman of Caribbean Airlines under the said Ministry. "In true UNC fashion, instead of dealing with the questions forthrightly, he opted for the brainless 'blame the PNM' approach." Browne said Maharaj seemed unaware that the Public Administration Minister took responsibility for managing accommodation arrangements on behalf of the State.
"Therefore if he is dissatisfied with his current temporary location, it is to that minister that he should address his concerns," he said. "The embarrassing reality is that the controversy highlighted by Maharaj underscores the fact that the realignment of ministries is actually costing the taxpayers millions in costs of staff, accommodation, salary and perks for the minister, and likewise for an entourage of new personal staff for the minister." (GA)