CASTRIES (CMC):

Prime Minister Sir John Compton could be back at the head of the St. Lucia government by year end, acting Prime Minister Stephenson King has said.

"I am almost certain that the present arrangement is expected to remain for the next six months. But the country is being run by the acting Prime Minister in myself, and a Cabinet and I have been receiving the full cooperation of all of my colleagues," he said.

Sir John has been hospitalised since last month when he suffered a series of minor strokes while undergoing a routine medical check in the United States.

The Prime Minister has not been seen in public ever since his return from the United States except for a brief appearance on television while leaving the Tapion Hospital just on the outskirts of the capital.

CABINET RESHUFFLE

Last week, the ailing Sir John reshuffled his Cabinet, providing King with more duties, demoting one senior minister and dismissing his Foreign Minister Rufus Bousquet.

King said that while he had been given added responsibilities, he was confident of being able to meet his obligations to the general public.

"The ministerial portfolios that have been given to me are headed by technocrats who I have every confidence in and who will provide me with the necessary support I require in running the various ministries.

"I am very confident that I can and will deliver," he added.

King, who is also the island's Finance Minister, said Sir John probably felt that it would have been too much of a load for him (King) to continue to act as Prime Minister in addition to being the Minister of Health.

"Whenever the situation returns to normal, the Prime Minister will certainly do what is right with a comprehensive reshuffle which would allow a more even distribution of portfolios," King said.