But, for sure, COP 2023 will not be seeing Minister Andre Perez, who remains on an indefinite suspension/leave of absence from Cabinet.
The last official word back in August was that the Attorney General was investigating the claims against him - and it would be concluded, quote, "in due course".
That's an indefinite period, and so even though Perez has publicly stated definitively that he will be turning to Cabinet - Cabinet Secretary Leslie says that's something the Prime Minister will have to decide - while also maintaining that the leave of absence is voluntary. Seems to us that the two things cannot be true - but here's how he explained it:
REPORTER
"Sir and can you provide an update on the Andre Perez investigation? They see it as smoke and mirrors."
Stuart Leslie, Cabinet Secretary
"*Laughing* I cannot provide an update. I'm sorry cut that out."
"As far as I know to this date the work of the Attorney General's ministry has not yet concluded to the point where any decision has been made. I know that some people saw a minister Perez is attending the retreat, and they were saying that oh maybe he is back in cabinet. No, the Prime Minister has not taken that decision yet to invite Minister Perez remember minister Perez asked for a leave of absence, so it is for the Prime Minister to determine when that leave of absence comes to an end he has asked the Attorney General to look to see if what legal position in the government might be in and so on, and that is going to come, but that retreat that was held that was only for cabinet ministers. It was for the 26 representatives of the government so that we could get a greater understanding of what is happening when the Prime Minister determines its time for a minister of Perez to come back. He will remember he is the chairman of the cabinet it's his cabinet."
