Swearing in of new Justice Minister delayed at her request

Government House Leader Dr Roodal Moonilal said Saturday the swearing in of Christlyn Moore as Minister of Justice has been deferred at her request.

He said the delay is to facilitate the necessary arrangements that would allow for a smooth transition "in a manner consistent with her professional commitments and obligations to her clients as an Attorney at Law in private practice." Moore, who is from Tobago, has legal practices there as well as in Trinidad.

Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar will be responsible for the portfolio of Minister of Justice until Moore takes office. Moore will be replacing Tobago Senator Terrance Baynes.

The government has 16 members in the Senate. When Moore takes her oath she would the 13th member who is in cabinet. Two of the others - Timothy Hamel Smith and Lyndira Oudit - are officers of the upper House and the 16th Senator, James Lambert, is the labour representative.