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Robert Le Hunte’s shock resignation as minister of public utilities allegedly followed a row with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley over a proposal for major restructuring at WASA. Although, according to informed sources, the quarrel was one-way traffic.
Le Hunte, who is also deputy chair of Rowley’s post-Covid-19 economy recovery team, proposed an idea for a massive restructuring exercise at WASA in a virtual Cabinet meeting on Thursday 14 May. And Rowley supposedly suggested that the minister’s timing for such an expensive undertaking—in the midst of a global pandemic—was ridiculous and asked if he discussed the idea with his Cabinet colleagues.
(via Newsday)
Le Hunte’s idea, apparently, did not find favour with his colleagues, including Minister of Finance Colm Imbert.
Le Hunte did not hold back his anger at what he deemed to be a lack of support from the prime minister. And, on Friday, he submitted his resignation. Within 24 hours, Rowley accepted it and the Ministry of Communications issued a press release to that effect today.
“The Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley accepted the resignation of Minister of Public Utilities Robert Le Hunte. This resignation became effective yesterday, 16 May 2020.
“The prime minister is in the process of making the necessary adjustments consequent to Mr Le Hunte’s resignation.”
Le Hunte subsequently hinted to the bone of contention on his own Facebook page.
“My resignation was as a result of professional conflict on policy positions,” stated Le Hunte. “In these circumstances, I gave our prime minister the opportunity to proceed in a manner which allows the government to achieve its objectives… I remain committed to the People’s National Movement and continue to serve as party vice-chairman.”
(via Office of the Prime Minister)
There is no word yet on whether Le Hunte’s departure from Cabinet would affect his role on Rowley’s recovery team.
Le Hunte was managing director of HFC Bank (Ghana) Limited when Rowley hired him to replace Marlene McDonald as public utilities minister in 2017—after the latter infamously turned up to her swearing-in ceremony with a man ‘known to the police’, Cedric ‘Godfather Burkie’ Burke.
However, Le Hunte’s appointment was nearly as farcical. The prime minister learned that he also had Ghanian citizenship just hours before he was due to be sworn in at President’s House.
“It has come to the attention of the Honourable Prime Minister that Mr Robert Le Hunte is a citizen of Ghana and accordingly he is not qualified under section 42(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to be appointed as a Senator,” stated a government release on 28 August 2017. “Accordingly, the Honourable Prime Minister has so informed the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
“Mr Le Hunte will be rectifying his position and once this is done the Honourable Prime Minister will appoint him as a Senator and as Minister of Public Utilities. Under these circumstances, until the matter is rectified, the Honourable Prime Minister will assume the portfolio of Minister of Public Utilities.
“It is expected that this situation will be rectified by Friday 1 September 2017.”
Le Hunte did become minister in the end. He lasted just over two years.
Rowley has had five ministers of public utilities since he was sworn in as prime minister on 9 September 2015: Brigadier Ancil Antoine, Fitzgerald Hinds, Marlene McDonald, Robert Le Hunte and himself. He now needs a sixth.
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Le Hunte chose not to bear the mantle of “another minister who could not re-engineer WASA”, since COVID-19 changed any chance he had of fixing WASA. I can only conclude that he is clearly strategizing in his own interest.
When you look at the big picture, as the saying goes, “pressure buss pipe”. Clearly, our politicians do not discern the nature of politics in T&T. Contrary to the stated goals of nation building, there is a “divide and conquer” playbook that fuels the political consciousness of the political and economic elite herein.
Le Hunte and all other politicians must understand that their mantra must be “country first”, secondly, discourse and reason should always guide your actions encapsulated in a short and long-term strategy. Resigning is not a constructive advocacy for change; however, it does raise questions about the strength of character, perseverance and commitment required in the arena of politics. Minister Le Hunte, show that you have the mental fortitude to endure the joy and pain in pursuit of your goal to better the lot of Trinbagonians.