Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John has been appointed to act as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago while Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar attends the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Persad-Bissessar departed Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, September 20, and is scheduled to return on Thursday, September 24. During her absence, John will perform the functions of Prime Minister while continuing to serve as Minister of Works and Infrastructure. Persad-Bissessar arrived in New York to lead Trinidad and Tobago’s delegation at the United Nations gathering. She is accompanied by Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Nicholas Morris. The Trinidad and Tobago delegation is expected to participate in high-level multilateral discussions, bilateral meetings and international forums addressing climate resilience, sustainable development, regional security and international cooperation. Persad-Bissessar is also expected to meet with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez on the sidelines of the General Assembly later this week. John, who represents Couva North, has previously served as acting Prime Minister during periods when Persad-Bissessar travelled abroad.
