Minister of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Webster has tendered her resignation, citing health issues which were further compounded by her rigorous work schedule, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon disclosed yesterday.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing, Luncheon said Webster’s resignation is effective from April 30th.
Luncheon made the disclosure when asked to explain the absence of Webster’s name on the PPP/C’s list of representatives for this year’s National and Regional elections.
He said President Donald Ramotar advised Cabinet members during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that he had accepted Webster’s notice of resignation, which was submitted to him. He did not say when the minister handed in her resignation.
Luncheon said the president also disclosed that in her submission, the minister indicated the “lack of significant improvement in her health situation.” The president, according to Luncheon, also mentioned the “fairly rigorous demands” that Webster faced as a member of the government, particularly in the Human Services sector.
“It was such that a deliberate decision was made by her… she opted to pursue getting her health concerns addressed and that led to her resignation from the office of a minister,” he said.
Webster previously served as Junior Finance Minister and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President. She has been a Member of Parliament since 2006.
Her resignation will take effect just shy of two weeks before the country heads to the polls to elect a new government. It is unclear who would be performing her functions during this period.
