Board can use new information to review cabinet decision: PM Kamla

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar suggested to reporters Tuesday a State board may use new information to recommend a change in cabinet decisions.

She was responding to reporters who wanted to know more about the issues involving Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and its on-going dispute with its line minister, Jack Warner, involving the purchase of nine new aircraft from the European manufacturer, ATR.

Persad-Bissessar declined to comment on the specific matter. However she noted government has retained a safety expert to assess the ATR planes. “I prefer to await the report of that expert,” she said.

However when pressed about the the hypothetical question about whether a board can override a cabinet decision and a directive from its line minister, she posed a question to reporters. “If it is a decision is taken today and new information comes to light are you saying we must stay with the old decision?”

She added there was always the right of review in matters. “They may be given a directive but there is new information, they bring the new information forward and a decision has to be taken,” she said.

The Prime Minister said the government is planning to host a seminar next year for all the chairpersons and members of State boards. 

“We have put together a manual and we are working on it. I had one short meeting with chairmen a couple weeks ago at the diplomatic centre but I intend to do a full seminar with professionals who will be able to guide in terms of the law,” Persad-Bissessar said.