Kamla not moving into PM's residence, says it's the people's house

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will use the Prime Minister’s Residence and Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, but will open it up to the people.

Persad-Bissessar had offered the residence to President Max Richards but he said he would prefer not to move there. She said he would consider using the diplomatic centre to host official functions.

Commenting on the use of the multi-million dollar property, the Prime Minister said it will become the people’s house. "I will use the house but I will open the house to the people, to the children of the nation and to any who wish to visit."

She added, "I do not think I should put the nation to further expense of fixing up another house. The house is there and it is empty, certainly we shall use the house for purposes of the government, but I plan to open it up. I would like to see people and children and make it indeed the people’s house."

Persad-Bissessar said there is no rush for the Manning's to leave. "I think Mr Manning should be given a decent time within which to vacate the house. It’s a family and I don’t think there’s a rush or a hurry and I have so advised him that there’s not a rush," she said. She is currently using a home in Tunapuna as her residence.

Persad-Bissessar is scrapping the Information Ministry. She said communications to the people will be done from the Office of the Prime Minister.

Commenting on one of her principal campaign promises, she said SEA students will get their laptops when they enter secondary schools this year and she also pledged to review financial matters such as CLICO and HCU.

On corruption, she said all concerns she raised are now in the hands of the relevant authorities. Persad-Bissessar met with her predecessor Friday and thanked him for his service to the country. She also asked her National Security Minister, John Sandy, to provide adequate security for Manning.

The prime minister has also dispensed with the country's coat of arms on the Prime Minister's official vehicle. Manning had been using the national symbol, which is reserved only for the president.