Is Ubaldus Raymond on his Way Back to the Fold?

Just when some were convinced they’d heard the last of Ubaldus Raymond, the former senator, who resigned in April, was this week resurrected when a reporter inquired of Prime Minister Allen Chastanet the status of the attorney general’s promised investigation into what had led to Raymond’s demise.  

“I think it’s very unfair to Dr. Raymond,” said the prime minister. “Allegations have been made against him and he has paid the heaviest price of all by the fact that he is no longer a member of my cabinet. He’s a person in whom I have a tremendous amount of confidence and I would certainly like to be able to use his skillset. But I’m kind of stymied at this point. I can’t proceed until I know that his name and the reputation of my government have been cleared.”

Did the prime minister hint at Raymond’s possible return to his Cabinet? Said Chastanet: “Dr. Raymond has talent. He made an impact in my government and I was very happy with the work he was doing. I would certainly like to be able to use him, if not back in my Cabinet, then somewhere else.” But not at this point, the prime minister added.

The former senator’s last public appearance was on April 25, on Rick Wayne’s TALK. Asked by the host about the possible effect of his leaked private phone conversation with a Trinidadian woman, he replied: “From day one I have dedicated myself to providing my service to this country through this administration. I have not faltered in any way when it comes to my work in government . . . I have given my full dedication to providing my services to the people of Saint Lucia in the various ministries where I have worked.”

Dr. Raymond turned down our request to comment on the prime minister’s most recent public reference to him.