King dismisses calls for Health Minister\'s resignation

St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Stephenson King, has dismissed calls by the opposition and civil society groups for Health Minister Dr Keith Mondesir to resign.



The St Lucia Labour Party, and a number of civil society groups, have been pressing for Dr Mondesir to step down after it was revealed that he received duty free concessions to furnish his private residence.



A recent High Court ruling quashed the Cabinet decision to grant the concessions to Dr Mondesir and he has since paid the Customs Department the duties.



The prime minister says he believes the Health Minister acted correctly in seeking to have the matter settled with the Customs Department.