Minister for Housing, Local Government and Urban Renewal Richard Frederick has gone on what the Government says is annual vacation leave, amid ongoing public calls for his resignation after he was questioned by police in connection with a criminal matter.
In a statement on Friday, the Office of the Prime Minister announced Frederick’s leave until August 27, and said Infrastructure, Ports Services and Energy Minister Shawn Edward will assume responsibility for the Housing and Urban Renewal portfolios during his absence.
Senior Minister Stephenson King, who is also Minister for Public Service, Transport, Information and Utilities Regulation, has been assigned responsibility for Local Government.
The Office of the Prime Minister said the temporary ministerial assignments are in keeping with the Government’s established practice of ensuring continuity in the administration of ministerial responsibilities whenever ministers proceed on annual vacation leave.
“The Government thanks the public for its understanding and remains committed to the uninterrupted delivery of services throughout this period,” the statement said.
The United Workers Party has been calling for Frederick to step down or be removed from the Cabinet, after he was questioned by police in connection with a criminal matter earlier this month.
Police have not announced any charges against Frederick, who has denied any wrongdoing, and the Office of the Prime Minister’s statement made no reference to the investigation or suggested any connection between it and his leave.
