Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips says President Dr. Irfaan Ali will be the one to decide whether Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill remains part of his Cabinet, amid public calls for the minister’s resignation following the MV Barima tragedy.
Phillips made the statement during a press conference on Monday, as government officials provided an update on the ongoing search and rescue operation after the vessel capsized.
Asked directly about calls for Edghill to step down, the Prime Minister said ministers serve at the discretion of the President, who alone has the authority to determine the composition of his team.
“So, yes, we hear the noise out there, but I can only, as the primary assistant to the president, I can assure you that the president has ears and he’s hearing,” Phillips said. “But I want to also inform you and remind you that that decision lies with the president. None of us here cannot answer that.”
He added that the President will have to determine whether any changes are made to his Cabinet.
“The president will have to decide whether he wants to change his team,” Phillips stated.
The comments came as pressure mounted over the fatal incident, which has so far left 27 bodies recovered, 69 persons rescued, and 83 still missing.
Phillips said the government’s immediate focus remains on managing the incident, finding survivors, recovering the dead, and supporting affected families.
“This is an incident, and we are focused on managing this incident,” the Prime Minister said.
