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Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has declined to occupy either the historic Whitehall or the Prime Minister’s Residence and Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, citing serious concerns about safety, health hazards, and dilapidated conditions.

Both buildings have been renovated over the years to the tune of millions of dollars.

Persad-Bissessar’s decision was disclosed by Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Barry Padarath, who spoke with reporters yesterday outside Persad-Bissessar’s private home in Phillipine, South Trinidad.