She dismissed talk of reducing COP's influence, stating that COP's concerns have been addressed. However she said if the party wishes to meet with her again to discuss these matter she would not have a problem with that.
Persad-Bissessar noted that she had met the COP leader Winston Dookeran and deputy leaders Prakash Ramadhar and Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan to discuss the changes.
"They were of the view that we had taken away all the COP members in the Upper House, which is totally not true," she said, noting that Timothy Hamel-Smith has retained the highest post in the Senate and acts as President of Trinidad and Tobago.
She added, "When COP member Mary King was removed she was replaced by a COP person..."Patrick Watson is no longer with us but he has offered to serve in another capacity," she added. She also noted that COP member, Nicole Dyer-Griffith, has been appointed a Senator.
"So there were three COP members and there continues to be three COP members...I do not believe that they were unfairly treated. They have won six seats in the Parliament and they have in fact seven ministers," the Prime Minister stated.
Persad-Bissessar said her "realignment" provided space for all elements of the partnership.
With respect to former energy minister Caroplyn Seepersad-Bachan who resisted the move from energy to public administration, the Prime Minister stated, "In the end she made the right choice and that is what is important...I think she has skills and competencies that could better serve the Government in Public Administration."
The Prime Minister also dismissed talk about why Jack Warner remained in cabinet despite calls from some coalition members for him to be fired.
Persad-Bissessar said: "I have no evidence. I said before that I would not prejudge this matter. There have been reports and allegations. But I have no evidence of wrongdoing and I would not act without such evidence."
She said she had been thinking about separating works and transport for a long time, noting that in the Panday UNC administration transport was a separate ministry.
Persad-Bissessar noted that she had met the COP leader Winston Dookeran and deputy leaders Prakash Ramadhar and Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan to discuss the changes.
"They were of the view that we had taken away all the COP members in the Upper House, which is totally not true," she said, noting that Timothy Hamel-Smith has retained the highest post in the Senate and acts as President of Trinidad and Tobago.
She added, "When COP member Mary King was removed she was replaced by a COP person..."Patrick Watson is no longer with us but he has offered to serve in another capacity," she added. She also noted that COP member, Nicole Dyer-Griffith, has been appointed a Senator.
"So there were three COP members and there continues to be three COP members...I do not believe that they were unfairly treated. They have won six seats in the Parliament and they have in fact seven ministers," the Prime Minister stated.
Persad-Bissessar said her "realignment" provided space for all elements of the partnership.
With respect to former energy minister Caroplyn Seepersad-Bachan who resisted the move from energy to public administration, the Prime Minister stated, "In the end she made the right choice and that is what is important...I think she has skills and competencies that could better serve the Government in Public Administration."
The Prime Minister also dismissed talk about why Jack Warner remained in cabinet despite calls from some coalition members for him to be fired.
Persad-Bissessar said: "I have no evidence. I said before that I would not prejudge this matter. There have been reports and allegations. But I have no evidence of wrongdoing and I would not act without such evidence."
She said she had been thinking about separating works and transport for a long time, noting that in the Panday UNC administration transport was a separate ministry.
The Prime Minister is not bothered by the fact that one of her new ministers - Verna St Rose Greaves - continues to oppose the death penalty.
"I am convinced that collective responsibility overrides personal opinions. I have seen it with others in my Cabinet and I am of the view that those who have offered themselves to serve ... will abide with collective responsibility as the time comes. And if they don't ... it would be a true Westminster moment," she said.
"I am convinced that collective responsibility overrides personal opinions. I have seen it with others in my Cabinet and I am of the view that those who have offered themselves to serve ... will abide with collective responsibility as the time comes. And if they don't ... it would be a true Westminster moment," she said.
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