BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOLLOWING the nation’s March 12 controversial General Elections, recently re-elected Prime Minister, Hon. Baldwin Spencer of the United Progressive Party (UPP) has officially named his Cabinet Members yesterday (Mar. 16) at the Governor General’s residence.
The announcements revealed a general reshuffle of portfolios and a significant reduction in senior administrative posts minimizing the former 11-member Cabinet to seven members. The new Cabinet consists of representatives elected in the 2009 elections along with Former Minister of Finance and the Economy Dr. Errol Cort.
Although he lost his seat to Antigua Labour Party’s (ALP) Leader Lester Bird, Cort was appointed as Minister of National Security, a newly-established Ministry. According to PM Spencer, this Ministry is expected to be a “master ministry” that encapsulates issues relating to the police and defence security forces, immigration, passports and citizenship, the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Ministry of Justice. The new division replaces the former Ministry of Defence.
Former Minister of Tourism Harold Lovell was appointed Minister of Finance and Public Administration, areas which have caused increased public concern as the nation battles with it teetering financing sector. Wilmoth Daniel, who formerly served as Minister of Public Works has been given the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation and Consumer Affairs.
The Representative of St. John’s Rural North, John Maginley, former Minister of Health was appointed Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, while former Minister of Social Transformation Hilson Baptiste has been given the responsibility for the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment.
Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, formerly Minister of Labour, is now Minister of Education, Gender, Sport and Youth Affairs and the representative of the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) Trevor Walker was appointed Minister of Works, Transport and Labour, removing him being Minister of State responsible for Utilities.
Although elected as UPP Representatives, Eleston Adams and Chanlah Codrington were not allocated full ministerial portfolios. Chester Hughes, the only new member in the House of Representatives has been appointed Deputy Speaker of the House and according to PM Spencer, he would be called upon to “engage in other areas of governmental activity”.
PM Spencer has kept the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Utilities and indicated that Daniel would retain his position as Deputy Prime Minister.
Despite calls for the Electoral Commission to investigate discrepancies on Election Day, the focus of the new administration would be on stabilizing the nation’s economy as the widespread economic crisis continues to threaten the financial and tourism sectors.
Antigua News