Post Cabinet Media Briefing – Thursday January 28th 2021

Key Points from The Post Cabinet Media Briefing – Thursday January 28th 2021 - Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley addressed citizens’ response to COVID-19 over the Christmas period. Though cases rose slightly in the last few weeks, he is pleased with the population’s overall response to managing the virus over the festive period, and again called for good sense to continue to prevail in the coming weeks. PM Rowley noted that citizens’ response over Christmas has now enabled some students to return to school from February 8th. Apart from Forms 4-6, the rest of the school population must stay home this term, with Standard 5/SEA students returning in April. Additional staff will be stationed at schools to ensure health protocols are maintained. PM Rowley also urged parents/guardians/school transportation to ensure students get to and from school in the quickest time possible. - PM Rowley said this country is anxiously awaiting the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines. T&T is still awaiting confirmation on the number of COVID-19 vaccines it will receive, but the Prime Minister is hoping for a sufficient quantity for the population. - PM Rowley also addressed the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, with the latest development being the seizure of Guyanese fishing vessels and crew by Venezuela. He noted that CARICOM has been monitoring this matter closely, and has called for the immediate release of the crew and their boats. - PM Rowley said he sought legal advice on the 6-6 deadlock following the THA election on Monday, but he is hopeful the new impasse over the selection of a Presiding Officer is resolved on its own. He said the PNM, through Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis and his Assembly team, will remain in office until this matter is settled. He also stated that the Government stands ready to approach the Parliament to fix whatever problems that exist with the Tobago Parliament. PM Rowley said he does not know of any rumour to entice one of the Opposition Assemblymen to cross the floor to the PNM’s side. - On his health, the Prime Minister said: "I am doing pretty well. I am on medication and I am taking it as prescribed by my doctors who have done a very good job with me. So far, I am doing very good. In fact, I am working harder in the last three days than before I had my medical procedure."