ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Dr. the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer has come out in defense of his Trinidad and Tobago Counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar over statements she allegedly made in relation to the provision of aid to the countries affected by the recent passage of Hurricane Tomas through the region.
Prime Minister Spencer said that the reported statements by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago that aid would have to redound in some measure to the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago is subject to interpretation however he is certain that the matter is being blown out of proportion.
“I think some persons have interpreted the statement by the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago in a particular way. I have read in the newspapers what was attributed to her and the comments following. I suppose individuals are entitled to their own opinion in terms of how they interpret the statement. It clearly is a concern but I don’t think it is insurmountable”, said Prime Minister Spencer.
PM Spencer and the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
The Antigua and Barbuda leader who has met with the newly elected Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago at several regional and international meetings said that he is confident that Trinidad and Tobago will continue to work with its regional counterparts as has been done in the past.
“It is clearly not a situation where support will not be given by Trinidad and Tobago to these countries that were affected by hurricane Tomas and are in distress at the moment. I would want to believe that it is a given that whether her statement could have been interpreted in different ways – that’s a normal thing. For me, we need to just get on with what we have to do. Trinidad and Tobago I am sure will show solidarity with the countries that are affected and will continue to play a critical role in the regional integration process”.
The Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister on Friday last paid a visit to St. Lucia, one of the countries affected by Hurricane Tomas and pledged Trinidad and Tobago’s assistance in their rebuilding efforts.
