PM boots Cabinet minister for disorderly conduct on plane

PORT-OF-SPAIN (CMC):

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Tuesday night announced that she had dismissed her Minister of the People and Social Development, Dr Glen Ramadharsingh, following his disorderly conduct on-board a Caribbean Airlines (CAL) domestic flight from Tobago to Trinidad earlier this month.

"As I have always said, regardless of the consequences, I remain resolved to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. My decisions in the past demonstrate this consistency regardless of whether you are in my Cabinet or not. No one is exempt from the measure of value-based leadership.

"In the circumstances, I have advised the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency, Justice Anthony Carmona, to revoke the appointment of the Honourable Minister of the People, Dr Glen Ramadharsingh," she said in a brief statement.

Behaviour was due to "fatigue"

Ramadharsingh has acknowledged that his alleged behaviour was due to "fatigue" and denied reports that he was intoxicated when he refused to follow orders given by flight attendant Ronelle Laidlow.

Laidlow, 25, in a report made to the police and the Airports Authority security, said that the minister's hand touched her breast when he reached for her identification badge which was pinned to her blouse.

Ramadharsingh, however, denied claims he had any physical interaction with the flight attendant, denying also that he had threatened to have her dismissed over the incident.

Ramadharsingh blamed his "fatigue" on sporting activities, political campaigning, as well as visiting family members.