No state boards yet; PM says some appointments in 2 weeks

People who had been expecting the government to announce new state boards this week will have to wait a little longer.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters Friday her government will make appointments to some state boards in about two weeks.

"Within a week or two, we will be able to put some of the major boards in place. This is an exercise which we need to take our time with," she told reporters.

She added, "You will recall those are some of the things the people voted against in the last election in terms of these boards operating."

Persad-Bissessar said her government has a short list of people for the various boards but did not wish to act hastily. "We would want to be careful in the selection. We have shortlisted many persons and the final decision will be made by the Cabinet, but certainly not this week.

"Within a week or two, we will want to see some of those put in place," she said.

Reporters also asked about the cost of the cabinet retreat at the Coco Reef resort in Tobago. She did not have a figure but explained that it would be a worthwhile investment.

"If I were to do a cost benefit analysis, I think the benefit will far outweigh the cost. It is not exceedingly expensive I'm told, I don't have a total figure.

"For example, the hotel that we're staying in is all-inclusive so it is not if you eat more or eat less it makes a difference. That is one of the reasons why our staff chose this particular hotel and of course workshops have been held here in the past, they do have the facilities," Persad-Bissessar said.

The retreat involved more than private government business. Daniel Shapiro, founder and director of the Harvard International Negotiation Programme conducted workshops on the art of negotiation.

"It was very interesting for us...it was really a remarkable session. We discussed conflict resolution, networking as a team," Persad-Bissessar told the media.

"There were some heated exchanges in terms of the concepts and the principles, but I think it was well received. As a new Government it is very important as we continue to maintain good relations with the people," she added.

Journalist Tony Fraser conducted a seminar on the role of the media in communicating Government's message to the people.

Saturday's agenda includes a presentation by Martin Daly SC on separation of powers and retired diplomat and former head of the civil service, Reginald Dumas, will lecture the officials on governance for an effective and high performing public service.