THE working arrangements of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar remain in limbo as some of the concerns raised over the suitability of Whitehall will take approximately three months to address.

In a media release on May 6, the Urban Development Corporation of TT (Udecott), which completed restoration works at Whitehall in 2019 at a cost of $32 million, addressed the issue of flooding at the building, but did not speak on the complaints of mould.

Udecott said areas at Whitehall were identified for attention.

It said basement staff were relocated in February and a contractor chosen just six weeks ago.

“A contractor was engaged on March 28 to carry out the remedial works which are to commence soon. These works are estimated to be completed in a maximum of three months.”

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Barry Padarath on May 6 defended Persad-Bissessar’s decision to work from home until a suitable office space is found for her.

Padarath toured the OPM at Whitehall on May 5 and expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the building. He said the 120-year-old building was “not functional” or conducive to Persad-Bissessar’s use based on health issues such as mould and flooding.

He said these issues prevent parts of the building from being used including the basement where the cabinet secretariat was previously housed.

That department was moved after their office flooded in 2024.

Padarath also suggested work needed to be done on the interior before Persad-Bissessar could set up her office there.

Asked to respond to public criticism being levelled at Persad-Bissessar on social media, and by opposition supporters, for working from home, Padarath asked, “Where do they expect her to work from if there are no proper facilities for her?”

Opposition leader Penelope Beckles-Robinson, speaking after receiving her instrument of appointment at President’s House on May 6, said she is surprised by Padarath’s comments.

“We had our cabinet meeting there just two weeks ago. We have had cabinet there for a long time.

“It is for them to give more information about that… I’m sure the public is waiting for more information, I am (also).”

Padarath: Security risk also a factor

Padarath added the decision was not only Persad-Bissessar’s to make as it was further complicated by security considerations.

“She's not like an ordinary government minister who can walk around, who doesn't have a level of security risk and security threat, et cetera.

“So these things are not determined by Mrs Persad-Bissessar. These things are determined by the security agencies of the State.”

Ag CoP Junior Benjamin, while unable to speak to current security arrangements for Persad-Bissessar, said the security of the PM and other key state officials is taken very seriously.

“That…is of utmost importance to the TTPS and that is why we have an elite section that deals with these situation as priority.”

Benjamin added, “Even in terms of where (Persad-Bissessar) goes, we will want to make sure that there is enou