Outgoing PNM MP Dr Amery Browne says he is considering the offer being made to head the HIV/Aids Unit with the Ministry of Health.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Browne said it was one of many offers he was considering, internally and externally. He said he had always been able to separate his profession from his politics and whatever his decision he would continue to maintain that principled position.
“That is one of several offers I am considering at this time, both inside and outside of Trinidad,” said Browne who was rejected as the PNM candidate for Diego Martin Central.
The offer, which came from the Minister of Health Dr Fuad Khan and Chief Medical Officer Dr Colin Furlonge, has raised eyebrows and views that it is a case of the PP trying to woo a PNM member.
However, Browne, a former director of the disbanded National Aids Coordinating Committee (NACC), said it was a professional decision that was why he was giving it consideration.
“I know there is the temptation to look at everything in the light of politics but I have always tried to keep my profession as distinct as possible from the whole political cut and thrust. I have no intention of changing that,” he added.
He said the response to HIV/Aids had always been dear to his heart and felt one of the biggest errors was when the NACC was dismantled.
“I think it is a bit clever, in that they recognise this is an issue that has always been near and dear to my heart and I spent many years building the first national comprehensive response to this pandemic in T&T. These are not easy things to brush off at all, “ Browne noted.
He said over the years the ministry had made a number of approaches to him to assist with the programme but there had been no detailed discussion on the matter.
Furlonge told members of the media at the opening of a symposium on the treatment of HIV/Aids on Monday he and Khan have spoken to Browne and they hoped he would come on board and provide leadership and create a programme so they could achieve some success in the battle.
Furlonge said Browne was ideal for the job, having the genuine care and passion needed to drive the programme.