“Outside of being a good representative, Mr Pilgrim is a very nice person and obviously there is going to be disappointment,” he told reporters in an interview at his Calder Hall Office on Tuesday. (June 14 2011)
London said he was both surprised and disappointed with Pilgrim’s resignation but from his position he understood the pressures under which people operated. He said he had a responsibility to respect the decision made by an individual at a particular point in time.
In confirming that Pilgrim resigned for personal reasons, London said he had a long discussion with him and therefore had to respect his reason and decision. London said he had to place on record his very deep appreciation and the appreciation of his colleagues in the Executive Council and the people of Tobago for the devoted service which he has rendered as assistant secretary for four years and as secretary in the challenging Division of Health and Social Services.
“I am very heartened that he will continue as the representative for the electoral district of Buccoo/Mt Pleasant and as a member of the Majority Side in the House of Assembly, again I thank him,” London said.
London confirmed that he will takeover the portfolio of Secretary of Health and Social Services until such time as the adjustment can be made after next week’s budget debate.
He said he plan to review the entire situation because it gave him an opportunity to look at the entire situation and may end up with significant change. “Obviously changes in one place will affect changes in the other,” he said.