PM Kamla off to NY to be at bedside of ailing sister

File: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar with one of her sisters, Wattie Newton

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has arrived in New York on a private visit.

A media release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Friday said Persad-Bissessar is making this visit "to be at the bedside of her eldest sister, Sally, who has encountered a serious medical situation and is in hospital requiring surgery."

It added, "The Prime Minister is taking the time off on compassionate grounds to be close to her sister at a time of great need."

The OPM said Labour Minister Errol Mc Leod would act as Prime Minister while Persad-Bissessar is away.

An older picture of Kamla and her three sisters. Sally is standing right behind Kamla, next to Wattie.
Shirley is seated in the front row next to Kamla.