St Augustine MP Prakash Ramadhar says he has no intention of crossing the floor in Parliament and joining the PNM Government.
Ramadhar said that during a news conference at his St Augustine constituency office in Tunapuna yesterday.
The allegation arose following his visit to Jamaica as part of an official delegation led by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and including three government ministers earlier this month.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Ramadhar did not consult her before accepting an invitation from Rowley to travel to Jamaica.
Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial, who was also invited by Rowley, declined.
The visit was intended to resolve certain immigration issues which could have resulted on a boycott of T&T goods by Jamaicans. The matter arose after Jamaicans claimed they were being unfairly denied entry in this country.
Ramadhar said the visit was very successful as many of the concerns were resolved. Asked about his relationship with Persad-Bissessar, Ramadhar said as far as he was aware it remained cordial.
“We have had difficulties from time to-time but we had been able to overcome them,” he added.
He said he attempted to contact her before the visit but was unsuccessful, adding that they have still not yet discussed the matter.
Ramadhar said Persad-Bissessar was entitled to her views on the matter, adding that “it was not without precedence that efforts had gone without success in the past.”
He said while some “maybe preparing to firm up in Opposition, I am preparing for future governance.”
Ramadhar smiled when asked if there was any truth to the claim that he was likely to cross the floor and join the PNM Government.
He said he remained “committed to the constituents of St Augustine. I am voted in on a ticket and I will never betray that trust. The issue of crossing the floor has never crossed my mind. That is pure fantasy.”
He said it was only a few people on social media that have called for his resignation. He said his visit to Jamaica was to help constituents of St Augustine who do business with Jamaica. Ramadhar said businessmen at the Macoya Industrial Estate met with him prior to his visit and requested his assistance with the Jamaicans who were threatening to boycott their goods.