Assemblyman Dr Faith B Yisrael was today chosen to replace Watson Duke as Deputy Chief Secretary in the Tobago House of Assembly.
However her appointment was not as straight forward as it was expected to be.
Despite his resignation being officially announced in the Assembly just moments before, Mr Duke was again nominated for the post.
His resignation and the nomination of a replacement was the only major order of business at today’s plenary meeting of the THA legislature.
Presiding Officer of the THA, Ms Abby Taylor made the announcement as the proceedings got underway.
Chief Secretary, Farley Augustine then nominated Ms Yisrael as his replacement, a move which was seconded by another assemblyman.
However, onlookers were left stunned when, moments later, Mr Duke was again nominated for the post from which he had just resigned.
The move even caused hesitation on the part of the Presiding officer who summoned the Clerk of the House for a brief conversation before proceeding.
However his nomination was short lived as the person who seconded the motion was not an elected assemblyman…a point all too eagerly noted by Chief Secretary, Farley Augustine.
The House was informed that arrangements would be made for Dr Yisrael to travel to Trinidad to receive her oath of office from her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes.
President Weekes is currently in England attending the funeral service for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
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