PM’s pick

PRIME MINISTER the Hon Mia Mottley unveiled a Cabinet yesterday, which has increased significantly in size with the introduction of a number of newly formed ministries.

In a media statement in the Cabinet Office of Government Headquarters, Mottley announced the makeup of the soon-to-be installed Cabinet of ministers, parliamentary secretaries and government senators and addressed the increased size.

“The Cabinet of Ministers will be relatively large because I have not only considered the mandate given to us by the people, but also the scope of the work to be done and the level of expertise that is at our disposal among elected members.

“Given the dire state of our economy and the tremendous work that will be involved in rescuing and rebuilding this country, the salaries of a few extra ministers is relatively insignificant, given that there will be tremendous savings from the containment of wastage and the curtailing of corruption in my Cabinet.”

Mottley, who has taken the position of Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and Investment, assured that her Ministers will be held to very high standards efficiency and productivity. “I have therefore opted to share the workload across a significant proportion of the parliamentary group rather than conform to the theory of a small Cabinet, thus creating an unrealistic setting for members to function effectively and to produce in this prevailing environment.”

Appointments announced include Arthur Holder, who will be named Speaker of the Lower House; Leader of Government Business Santia Bradshaw in the Lower House; Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Senator Dr Jerome Walcott; Proposed President of the Senate is Sir Richard “Johnny” Cheltenham and Deputy President Rudolph “Cappy” Greenidge.” Chief Economic Counsellor to the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment, Ambassador Dr. Clyde Mascoll and Ambassador at Large and plenipotentiary Dame Billie Miller. Mottley revealed that Ambassadors Mascoll and Dame Billie Miller will attend meetings of Cabinet as required, “Given the difficulties facing our country to get out of this perilous economic situation.”

Noting that the traditional “bedrock portfolios” still remain, she explained that her Government also looked to embrace new concepts and opportunities.

Barbados will for the first time see a Ministry of Health and Wellness; Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs; Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology; Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Public Affairs; Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy; Ministry of the Creative Economy; Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology; and Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce. There is also now a Ministry of Environment and National Beautification; Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations; and Maintenance has been added to the Ministry of Transport and Works portfolio. The Ministry of Home Affairs will stand alone and will have responsibility for the Royal Barbados Police Force.

“These are all vital components of the new multifaceted government and economy we are seeking to create, all of which were outlined very clearly in our manifesto.”
Mottley pointed that notwithstanding the nature of the composition of the Lower House of Parliament, the Constitution requires that there be three members of the Senate appointed to the Cabinet. “We shall comply with the Constitution,” she said.

The Prime Minister offered an invitation to members of the public to come to the Bay Street, St. Michael today at 4 pm to witness Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason administer the Oaths to the new members of Cabinet. Traffic restrictions will be in place. (JH)

New BLP Cabinet

• Prime Minister Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment – Mia Mottley
• Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs - Dale Marshall
• Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training and Leader of Government Business – Santia Bradshaw
• Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development – George Payne
• Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Leader of Government Business in the Senate – Senator Dr Jerome Walcott
• Minister of International Business and Industry – Ronald Toppin
• Minister of Environment and National Beautification – Trevor Prescod
• Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs – Cynthia Forde
• Minister of Tourism and International Transport – Kerrie Symmonds
• Minister of Transport Works and Maintenance – Dr William Duguid
• Minister of Health and Wellness – Jeffrey Bostic
• Minister of Home Affairs – Edmund Hinkson
• Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce – Dwight Sutherland
• Minister of Energy and Water Resources – Wilfred Abrahams
• Minister in the Ministry of Finance – Ryan Straughn
• Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment – Marsha Caddle
• Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade – Sandra Husbands
• Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations – Colin Jordan
• Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Rural Development – Charles Griffith
• Minister of Youth and Community Empowerment – Adrian Forde
• Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy – Kirk Humphrey
• Minister of Agriculture and Food Security – Indar Weir
• Minister in the Ministry of Transport Works and Maintenance – Peter Phillips
• Minister of the Creative Economy, Culture and Sports – John King
• Minister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology – Senator Kay McConney
• Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Public Affairs – Senator Lucille Moe
• Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training Senator Dr. Romel Springer
• Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Neil Rowe.
• Chief Economic Counsellor to the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment Ambassador Dr. Clyde Mascoll
• Ambassador at Large and plenipotentiary Dame Billie Miller
 
At the first sitting of parliament Leader of Government Business will nominate the following persons: Speaker of the House of Assembly Arthur Holder; Deputy Speaker Gline Clarke; and Chairman of Committees- Dr. Sonia Browne.
 Leader of Government Business will propose that: Sir Richard Cheltenham will be nominated as President of the Senate; and Rudolf “Cappy” Greenidge- Deputy President of the Senate
 Other Senators will include Dr. Jerome Walcott; Kay McConney; Lucille Moe; Rawdon Adams; Lisa Cummins; Senator Dr. Rommel Springer; Rudy Grant; Lynette Holder; Damian Sands; Senator Dr. Crystal Haynes.
 Pat Parris will be appointed Director of Public Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister and Jessica Odle-Baril will be
appointed personal aide as of Monday.