THE decision by Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine to rescind his resignation from a ministerial portfolio was one which was made by him and not the Working Peoples’ Alliance (WPA) – the party which he represents in government.

This was the assertion of executive member of the party, Dr. David Hinds at the party’s press conference on Wednesday.
“The decision was made by Dr. Roopnaraine to remain in government,” Dr Hinds said.
On July 19, the Public Service Minister tendered his resignation as a Minister, just one month after being reassigned from the Education Ministry. After a meeting with President David Granger on July 20, the Minister rescinded his resignation.
The Minister had initially denied that poor health was the cause of him attempting to resign. However, the WPA said on Wednesday that this was one of the reasons given to the party by him.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had confirmed on Thursday last, that: “his [Dr. Roopnaraine’s] health situation was making it challenging for him to be able to contribute to the level with which he expected to contribute.”
But although the decision to remain a Minister was not one made by the party, the WPA was keen to note that Dr. Roopnaraine had spoken to the party about his decision. Chairperson of the party, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley confirmed at the press conference that: “Dr Roopnaraine did speak with me about the matter. Then I spoke to the members and some of them met with him.”

And although the party supports Dr Roopnaraine’s decision, it did not say whether it was a decision that would have been taken at a party level. Rather, Dr. Hinds offered that: “we defer to his judgment as to whether he can continue to function in office.”
The Public Service Department where Dr. Roopnaraine has been reassigned to, falls under the Ministry of the Presidency which is headed by Minister of State Joseph Harmon. He remains a Cabinet Member and a Member of Parliament.
The WPA at its press conference in June had noted that in keeping with the arrangement between coalition partners, all political parties should have been given a substantive ministry. But after Dr. Roopnaraine had been transferred, the party said that while it does not have a sense of entitlement, it was expecting the President, on principle, to award the party a “substantive ministry.”

Although no adjustments were made since then, the WPA said on Wednesday that it is satisfied with the position since the party was assured that Dr. Roopnaraine remains a senior minister. Further, Dr. Hinds added that the WPA is guided by the principles that it is not in politics and government for the sharing of spots.
“We do recognise the importance of representation in government because you have the capacity to influence policy. In that regard we would like to think that we would want to be represented,” he said.
Despite this recognition however, the WPA executive member said that: “What we are trying to disabuse the nation of, is the view that is being peddled that we are fighting for position. We are not fighting for position. We’re fighting for principles, correct policies and the survival of the coalition and for each member of the partnership to be treated equally.”