There was no confirmation yesterday on whether any changes to Cabinet portfolios or other government framework would be undertaken as a result of yesterday's lengthy government retreat in Tobago. The Cabinet met all of yesterday at a private session at the Magdalena Grand Hotel to assess its status and future direction as T&T moves towards a general election next year. Members met in the morning and began a second session from 3.30 pm into the late evening.
Participants also included former ministers such as MP Collin Partap. Communications Minister Vasant Bharath, who said on Wednesday the session was meant to reassses the Government's position and see "what works and what doesn't work,” was unavailable to speak about the outcome of the retreat. People’s Partnership officials had said recently some changes to the Cabinet had been expected after the 2015 budget debate was over, but couldn't confirm if this would happen after the retreat.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar opted out of a CCTV launch at Scarborough where she was scheduled to speak yesterday, in order to attend the evening retreat session. National Security Minister Gary Griffith, who attended in her place, spoke briefly and returned speedily to the Magdalena session.