Patrick Manning told reporters Monday it doesn't really matter what was the "mistake" that his sports minister made regarding the erection of a $2 million national flag in Port of Spain.And he is standing firm behind his minister, Gary Hunt. As for Hunt he is ignoring calls from politicians for him to quit.
Commenting on demands for his resignation Hunt told local media, "Do we expect anything different from an Opposition politician?"
The Prime Minister said what is important is that having made an error the government acknowledged it and advised the national community about. It is done and now it is time to move on, he said.
"The fact is an error was made and the Government acknowledges that an error was made. And the Minister, on behalf of the Government, was assuring the national community that we will try to avoid that error in the future," Manning said.
On Sunday night, Hunt admitted "errors" with regard to the heritage flag at the Hasely Crawford stadium. He did not explain the nature of the error but promised there would be no recurrence.
Read the story: $2M Flag was a mistake that would never be repeated: Sports Minister
All Manning was prepared to add to the matter is that his government will try to do better in the future. And he said the flag will remain flying as a symbol of nationality and sovereignty.
Former Sports Minister Manohar Ramsaran has joined a chorus demanding Hunt's resignation. Manohar, who is now a member of the Congress of the People (COP) said Hunt must personally accept responsibility for the $2 million "misstep".
"When a minister admits to such a major blunder, one that costs a country millions, he should be held accountable," Ramsaran said, adding that the matter is serious enough for aa full investigation.
"Heads must roll for this because this looks more like corruption rather than a misstep," he said.
Panday calls for police investigation of sports minister
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