PM can’t remove Marlene

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has indicated that she cannot remove Marlene Coudray from the post of mayor. Sources close to the Prime Minister said she indicated she “can’t remove Coudray” and that the San Fernando mayor is also unwilling to step down.

Coudray has refused to budge despite calls from the COP that she should demit office following her decision to join the United National Congress. Party sources said the chances of a no-confidence motion being filed against Coudray are slim as the UNC controls the majority of seats at the San Fernando City Corporation.  

Whether Coudray would consider stepping down from the mayorship remains unknown as several telephone calls to her went unanswered yesterday. If Coudray unexpectedly decides to throw in the towel, the person next in line for the mayorship is deputy mayor Navi Muradali, party sources indicated.