Mar 2013 Financial News

PM names Cabinet (Barbados)

Mar 01, 2013

WITH some noticeable changes and minor tweaks made to the composition of this country’s Cabinet, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has made it clear that the newly re-elected Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Government will be taking an energetic approach to the management of the affairs of this country.

In a short, yet detailed Address to the Nation last evening, the Prime Minister announced that he would retain the Ministries of National Security, the Public Service and Urban Development.

St. Philip North MP and former Minister of Housing and Lands, Michael Lashley, will now take over Transport and Works from Christ Church South MP John Boyce, who has been named as Minister of Health.

Former Health Minister and St. James South MP, Donville Inniss, will now take over the Ministries of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, while St. Lucy MP Denis Kellman will now handle Housing, Lands and Rural Development.

Christ Church East Central MP Ronald Jones, while retaining the portfolio of Education, will now have Science, Technology and Innovation added as well.
St. Michael South Central MP, Richard Sealy, retains Tourism, but has seen his portfolio expand to include International Transport.

St. Philip West MP, Dr. David Estwick, and St. Michael North West MP, Chris Sinckler, retain their portfolios. The same can be said of Ministers Blackett, Stephen Lashley and Denis Lowe.

Former St. George South MP, Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo, who has been appointed to the Senate, has kept the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, with the added responsibility of Human Resources Development.

Meanwhile, Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner moves from being Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport.

Senator Maxine McClean retains Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and former City of Bridgetown MP, Patrick Todd, is now Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office and in the Senate.

Former Minister of Commerce and Trade, Haynesley Benn and former Minister of International Business and International Transport, George Hutson, were not included in the Cabinet or Senate.

Prime Minister Stuart, in making the announcement, praised Barbadians for their conduct during the recent closely-won General Elections, but urged vigilance in maintaining democratic ideals.

“What Barbados has shown the world is the maturing of our 46-year-old democracy…We have emerged from this process with our democratic traditions mostly intact, though we remain mindful to safeguard against the dilution whatsoever of these cherished traditions,” he remarked.

He commended all those involved in the electoral process, including the Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the political parties for their contribution to a successful election. He also called on all parties to recognise that the elections are over and that everyone should work together to take this country forward.

Noting that this country had endured some significant challenges in the past five years, he added, “I am confident that we are capable of handling any challenges which lay ahead… Let us face the future with optimism…We cannot unmake the past but we can shape the future.”

The DLP holds a 16-14 advantage in the House of Assembly. The opening of Parliament is set for Wednesday March 6 at 4 p.m. in the Senate Chamber with Governor-General Sir Elliot Belgrave delivering the Throne Speech.


Source:
By Dorian Bryan
Barbados Advocate
Friday March 1, 2013

http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=29414