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OPPOSITION LEADER Pennelope Beckles is demanding information over the government's sudden decision to send the commanding officer of the regiment Col Keston Charles on 605 days' leave effective August 8, and then withdrawing the decision in 48 hours.

Speaking at a PNM meeting in Pleasantville, San Fernando on August 12, Beckles held up a copy of the August 10 Sunday Newsday – headlined Army Shake-up: Regiment commander sent of 605 days' leave – as she called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the head of the National Security Council, and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge to provide clarity on the matter.

Beckles questioned why Charles was recalled to duty after just one day and why a replacement was appointed from 13th in the rank order, bypassing more senior officers. She also questioned what role, if any, the Public Service Commission played in the decision.