PRIME MINISTER Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly distanced herself and her Cabinet from recent comments made by Minister in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Edward Alexander, stating that he was “totally out of line”. The reprimand comes after Alexander’s social media posts ignited a public spat with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

She made the comments while responding to questions at a news conference on Tuesday at the Diplomatic Centre celebrating athletes Keshorn Walcott and Jereem Richards on their recent World Championship medals and Trinbago Knight Riders on their Caribbean Premier League win.

When asked for her views on Alexander’s statements, Persad-Bissessar stated, “He was totally out of line, I do not share his views. I have since told him he needs to stay in his zone. Let’s hope that he complies but the Cabinet does not share the views expressed by that Honourable Minister.”