A new Public Utilities Minister is to be appointed in the coming days, following the abrupt resignation of Robert Le Hunte from the post. 

Reports of Mr. Le Hunte’s resignation began circulating early on Sunday, however the news was confirmed by Communications Minister Donna Cox in the afternoon. In a brief statement, Minister Cox said “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. The 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.”

While neither parties have given a reason for the resignation, unconfirmed reports suggest it came after an alleged fallout with senior members in the Cabinet.

Robert Le Hunte was appointed to serve as Minister of Public Utilities in September 2017, replacing the Prime Minister who temporarily acted in the role after the firing of Marlene McDonald.

McDonald was dismissed from the Ministerial post just two days after being sworn in, as controvery arose out of her decision to invite Cedric “Burkie” Burke to her swearing in ceremony. Burke was arrested in 2011 aand charged under the anti-gang law.