A Time for Renewal - Jamaica Cabinet Reshuffle

His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General (3rd left) and The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister (3rd right) share lens with the newly appointed Members of Cabinet following the swearing-in ceremony at King's House, March 27, 2018. From left are Mr. Zavia Mayne – State Minister, Ministry of Labour and Social Security; Mr. Alando Terrelonge - State Minister, Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport; Mrs. Fayval Williams - Minister without Portfolio, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and Dr. Nigel Clarke - Minister of Finance and the Public Service. 

- King's House Photo

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column by Jean Lowrie-Chin 

published 2-April-2018

Last week's Cabinet reshuffle was a signal from Prime Minister Andrew Holness that leadership must respond to the demands of the times. The announcement was followed by the usual kudos and criticism, the right of free speech in our precious democracy. Most of the protests came from the movement of Minister Audley Shaw from Finance to Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries.  However, we wholeheartedly agree with him that this is in no way a demotion. Indeed, it is a powerhouse ministry that can help us achieve that 'five-in-four' growth, by tackling our stunting bureaucracy, supporting our hardworking farmers with game-changing technology and providing enticing opportunities to stanch our ominous brain-drain.

 

The promotion of Minister Fayval Williams to full Cabinet status is encouraging for those of us who have been advocating for more women in public sector leadership. She will be the fifth woman in our Cabinet, joining Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Minister Shahine Robinson, Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith and Attorney General Marlene Malahoo-Forte.

 

There is a balance of youth and age in the Cabinet, as we welcome the brilliant new Minister of Finance Nigel Clarke and State Ministers Alando Terrelonge and Xavier Mayne, while noting that those astute seniors Ministers Mike Henry and Karl Samuda have been assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister. The hard-working Minister Robert Montague steps across to the substantial Transport and Mining Ministry while the durable Minister Horace Chang takes up the challenging Ministry of National Security. 

 

We should make it our duty to support our Ministers and Members of Parliament (JLP and PNP) in their efforts for the development and protection of our country. Our Opposition is expected to contribute and criticize, but we should never forget our higher purpose of unity for the greater good.