Former Trinidad Tourism Minister Chandresh Sharma. Photo: Caribbean Journal

The departure of Sharma came after allegations that he assaulted a woman, according to reports.

Persad-Bissessar announced the move following her dismissal of former Social Development Minister Dr Glen Ramadharsingh last week following similar allegations of assault on a Caribbean Airlines flight.

The move is the latest blow to Trinidad’s tourism sector, which had been showing signs of growth under Sharma’s predecessor, Stephen Cadiz, until the latter was reassigned to the Transport ministry in a Cabinet reshuffle in September 2013.

Since taking office in 2010, Persad-Bissessar’s government has had three tourism ministers.

Sharma’s successor has not yet been named.

“I take this opportunity to recognize Minister Sharma’s contributions and service to the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago,” Persad-Bissessar said in a statement.