Georgetown: With the formation of one new Ministry and the omission of another, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government today named its new cabinet with all members accepting the oath of office at a special investiture ceremony at State House.
Representing one of the most interesting positions, Former Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, was named Minister of the newly formed Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which appears to incorporate responsibilities of both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture.
Interesting changes were also seen at three Ministries with former Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, being appointed Minister of Agriculture, a position which was formerly held by Persaud; former Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, being appointed Minister of Health, a position formerly held by Dr. Ramsammy and former Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand being appointed Minister of Education, a position which was formerly held by Shaik Baksh.
Replacing Manickchand in the Human Services Ministry is Jennifer Webster while the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will be headed by Ganga Persaud, a Ministry which was formerly headed by Norman Whittaker, who has been named Minister within the same Ministry.
Formerly headed by Manzoor Nadir, the Ministry of Labour is now being headed by Nanda Gopaul while the Attorney General post has been assumed by Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall.
Also representing new positions are that of Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, which has been assumed by former Region Two Regional Chairman Ali Baksh, and that of Minister within the Ministry of Finance. Former Ethnic Relations Commission Chairman, Juan Edghill, was appointed to the latter position.
Retaining their former portfolios were: Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues; Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and Minister of the Public Service Ministry, Dr. Jennifer Westford.
However, there was no mention of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, which was formerly headed by Manniram Prashad.
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