PM’s sister cost state near $1 million in overseas travel

Port-of-Spain Taxpayers have paid close to $1 million for the prime minister's sister to travel with her.

Vidwatee Newton, however, does not have any official designation.

During the government's two-year term, Newton has been to New York three times, Washington twice in a list of ten trips.

Newton has accompanied the prime minsiter on at least eleven official overseas trips, but responding to a question filed by Opposition MP Donna Cox to the Prime Minister, Leader of Governent Business Dr Roodal Moonilal confirmed to the Parliament that Newton does not hold an official government job.

Dr Moonilal noted that Newton is a profesional and qualified nurse by profession.

She also serves as schedules coordinator to ensure that the prime minister attends designated events and activities but the Opposition questioned whether that was a duplication of duties since Lisa Ghany already serves as the prime minister's public engagements  organiser.

Newton's trips with the prime minister including to New York cost taxpayers $108,000, Washington at a cost of $53,000, Australia in October 2011 which cost tax payers $338,329.19, and the recent trip to India, a bill of $233,600.45.

Newton has also accompanied the prime minister to London, Brazil and St. Kitts.