Dookeran's departure from COP leadership won't affect government: PM Kamla

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters Sunday the decision by Winston Dookeran to step down as political leader of the Congress of the People (COP) will not affect the People's Partnership Government.

"I am saddened by his decision but I think he knows best as to what he can do and cannot do. He has made it clear that he is in succession planning and see leaders who will not give up at some point in time. In my view he needs to be congratulated on his very brave stand," she said.

Persad-Bissessar said Dookeran is an asset to the government, adding that she is confident that he would continue to work for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

"He is a great asset to the partnership and I look forward to continue working with Mr Dookeran," she said.

Dookeran announced on Saturday that he is stepping down. His party will elect a new leader in its internal election on July 3. Nomination day is June 12.

MP for St Augustine Prakash Ramadhar is a popular choice to succeed Dookeran. However he has not yet announced if he will seek the COP's top job. Another COP MP, Anil Roberts, and COP Vice Chairman Vernon de Lima are the only declared candidates so far.