Congress of the People (COP) MP Anil Roberts has criticised fellow MP Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan's concerns on her new appointment and has disagreed with his party's concerns on the Cabinet reshuffle.However, COP MP Prakash Ramadhar, who's contesting COP's leadership against Roberts, and COP's Rodger Samuel have supported the party line on the issue.COP leader Winston Dookeran says he is disappointed Seepersad-Bachan was shifted.
Seepersad-Bachan, who was shifted from Energy to Public Administration, said Sunday if she could have turned down the post, she would have. She said she had to be guided by her party and the coalition's interest.During yesterday's launch of the second session of the tenth Parliament, Seepersad-Bachan was subdued in the Parliament chamber and did not speak to MPs on either side of her seat, or others.COP which met on Sunday on the issue, including the removal of former COP Senator Patrick Watson from Government, wrote the Prime Minister that day about its concerns, calling for a meeting in the spirit of unity.
Yesterday COP chairman Joseph Toney said COP was still awaiting a response.During yesterday's Red House reception following the launch of the parliamentary term, COP leader Dookeran admitted to disappointment on the Seepersad-Bachan issue.But he repeatedly declined to discuss the party's moves, saying: "Whatever was reported, I have nothing to say. Let me don't get into that."Speaking during the reception, Seepersad-Bachan said she was not given a reason for the shift from Energy.She added: "All I know is that Saturday night when I met with the PM she said they needed someone bright and strong in Public Administration and she felt I fit that role.
"If it was my personal preference alone I would not have accepted but I have to take the coalition into consideration and this is why I had to be guided by the party and the coalition's interest."But my personal preference is not important. We took an oath to serve T&T and I have to be so guided."Seepersad-Bachan said she looked forward to her new portfolio. She said she intended to talk to her predecessor, Nan Ramgoolam, today.She also said she wished new Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine the best. She said she had laid the foundation and T&T now had to look to the fruits of that labour.However, her fellow MP, Roberts, said his party's concerns about the reshuffle were totally unfounded.
He said: "Certain members of my party always try to find some complaint. If my own portfolio had to go for T&T's betterment, so be it. "When you are called to serve, your desires are irrelevant. I'm happy with the reshuffle."Before we had a (COP) senator without portfolio, now we have one with portfolio (NIcole Dyer Griffith), so we have become stronger."Ramadhar, saying he was at one with the COP party statement, commended Seepersad-Bachan for acting in the Partnership's interest. He added: "It was a very selfless thing and we recognise her sacrifice. The Prime Minister has a decision-making duty and we also respect that.
"Carolyn has been put into a very important ministry. I think the Prime Minister acted wisely in putting a person of Carolyn's competence, dedication and clarity of mind in this important ministry."MP Samuel said he thought COP's executive would have thought out its position before writing the Prime Minister. He believed the situation "would work itself out."COP vice chairman Vernon de Lima maintained concerns, adding: "This justifies my call for the leader to be outside of the party to speak about issues like this treatment of our people."What happened to Carolyn was unfair. There was no consultation among the parties."