Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reaffirmed her decision to retain Caroni Central MP David Lee as Minister of Housing, despite ongoing legal challenges. In a WhatsApp message to Newsday on October 10, Persad-Bissessar stated, ‘Yes, he remains Minister of Housing. There will be no change to that.’ This declaration underscores her unwavering support for Lee, even as he faces renewed legal scrutiny. The Prime Minister emphasized her government’s commitment to the rule of law, asserting that the judicial process must proceed unimpeded. On October 9, opposition chief whip Marvin Gonzales argued that Lee should step down from his ministerial role while his case is before the courts, though he acknowledged Lee’s right to retain his parliamentary seat. Lee, along with businessman Hugh Leong Poi, was re-arrested on October 7 on charges related to the misuse of a vehicle tax exemption granted to MPs. Initially dismissed on April 7 by Chief Magistrate Christine Charles due to insufficient evidence, the charges were reinstated by Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC. Lee was released on $1 million bail on October 8. Persad-Bissessar expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating, ‘We have respect for the courts of the land. Minister Lee was acquitted of these allegations before. Now that the charges have been re-laid, we have confidence in the courts to deliver a just result.’