The addition of former Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler is among several changes to the Cabinet of Barbados.
Sinckler not only becomes a Senator and Senior Minister in the Mia Mottley administration, he also takes over the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, previously held by Kerrie Symmonds. Michael Lashley, who also served in successive DLP administrations, was given the portfolio of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice.
Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams, who, along with Mottley was sworn in last week, greeted President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic before his colleagues took their oaths.
While Santia Bradshaw remains Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly, she is now Minister of National Beautification, Environment and Fisheries.
Adrian Forde, who formerly held that portfolio, is Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs as Kirk Humphrey received a promotion to Senior Minister (coordinating infrastructure) and Minister of Transport and Works. Symmonds is again responsible for Energy, Business Development and Commerce and as Senior Minister, will coordinate the productive sector.
In her address, Mottley said the Cabinet represented a team for the changing times, which were different to when they were first elected in 2018.
“It will demand sober judgement from us, steady hands, and yes, above all else, the courage both to act and to listen. And this is why the Cabinet that is being sworn in today is not just a list of names. It is a structure that has been deliberately balanced, carefully chosen, and repurposed to face the current realities of our moment today,” she said.
Among other changes – Kay McConney is the Minister of the Public Service and Talent Development; Indar Weir, Minister of Public and Private Investment; Gregory Nicholls, Minister of Home Affairs and Information; Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security; and Senator Shane Archer is the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Youth and Culture.
Senator Lisa Cummins continues as public business in the Senate and has been handed the heavy portfolio of Health and Wellness at a time the sector is under severe scrutiny and criticism.
Mottley said she would address questions about the Cabinet at that moment.
“If you ask me why we have a dedicated minister responsible for the public service and for people talent, it is because the public service is our delivery engine and Barbados’ next phase as a country will fail or succeed on the quality of our delivery. We have to become more efficient. We have to become more responsive. We have to become more laser-like in how we serve our people.”
She later added: “This Cabinet is structured for focussed delivery.”
The backbenchers comprise Dr William Duguid (Christ Church West), Peter Phillips (St Lucy), Toni Moore (St George North), Dwight Sutherland (St George South), Tyra Trotman (St Michael Central), Neil Rowe (St Michael North West), Ryan Brathwaite (St Joseph) and St Philip North MP Dr Sonia Browne.
Among those still to be appointed to the Senate are The Most Honourable Reginald Farley (President), The Most Honourable Elizabeth Thompson (Deputy President), John King, Roshanna Trim, Ramon Alleyne, Kamisha Benjamin and Janeil Odle. (SAT)
Pictures by Reco Moore
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