Ameen says son’s Japan trip was privately funded

Dareece Polo

Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen has sought to dispel questions over her decision to travel to Japan with her son, Jeremiah, after photos she shared on social media showed the pair together during her visit, prompting speculation over whether public funds were used to finance his trip.

Ameen is in Japan on an official visit at the invitation of the Japanese government, which she said is covering the cost of her travel.

Responding to questions from Guardian Media, Ameen said, “The trip is of no cost to the government of T&T. I am here on the invitation of the government of Japan and my expenses are funded by Japan. All of my son’s expenses such as flight, accommodation, meals etc are fully covered privately by myself from personal funds.”

She said her son does not accompany her to official engagements and that the images she shared were taken outside of her official duties.

“As a working mom, I have long shared my work alongside my ‘Mom Chronicles’ and I continue in that vein of transparency. He does not accompany me to official engagements. The images shared are after the working day is done.”