Multifaceted, youthful and experienced cabinet sworn in– President Ali


Georgetown: President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said his cabinet which is comprised of several new youthful and vibrant ministers is a multifaceted team equipped and prepared to ensure that the aspirations of all citizens are fulfilled.

The Head of State was at the time speaking during a simple ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre following the swearing-in of 19 ministers to the government on Wednesday.

President Ali said his team provides “newness, youthful energy and experience” and its skillset is of immediate importance, as the new government moves to tackle imperative issues such as constitutional and electoral reform, among other things.

“….. that is why you will see that we have private sector experience coming into the government, legal experience working at various agencies in government. Medical experience, educators….”

Dr. Ali said those ministers now have the responsibly of executing programmes for the government and must be held accountable, not only by the Executive Parliament but more importantly the people of Guyana.

While there are many other important appointments to come, including that of a Finance Minister, the Head of State assured those will be announced shortly.

In the meantime, the President said the initial phase of the exercise and the swift movement of the government is essential since it has a lot of work to achieve throughout Guyana.

“You would have noticed that we have realigned functions of government to remove duplicity, to make it easier to conduct business with government, to improve efficiency and to ensure that we operate in a cost-effective, productive and result-oriented manner.”

Reminding that the job requires immense focus and time, President Ali called on the family members of the new ministers to play a supportive role.

“There would be sacrifices that are required because this job is not an 8 to 4 job, but I am sure that we are all committed to this task in giving our bit in the interest of our country and the betterment of the Guyanese people,” the President added.

The Head of State concluded, “Congratulations. You have taken an oath of office as I did and we expect nothing less but the fulfilment of that oath.

Ministers of Government sworn in:

Zulfikar Mustapha– Minister of Agriculture

Pauline Sukhai– Minister of Amerindian Affairs

Charles Ramson–Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport

Priya Manickchand–Minister of Education

Hugh Todd– Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Dr Frank Anthony–Minister of Health

Robeson Benn–Minister of Home Affairs

Collin Croal–Minister of Housing and Water

Susan Rodregues–Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water

Vindhya Persaud–Minister of Human Services and Social Security

Joseph Hamilton– Minister of Labour

Nigel Dharamlall– Minister of Local Government and Regional Development

Anand Persaud– Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

Vickram Bharrat–Minister of Natural Resources

Kwame McKoy–Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister

Sonia Parag–Minister of Public Service

Juan Edhill–Minister of Public Works

Deodat Indar– Minister within the Ministry of Public Works

Oneidge Allicock– Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce