Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has announced a new Cabinet of Ministers, outlining the composition of his administration as it begins a new five-year term in office. The appointments were made during a ceremony at the House of Assembly and include a combination of returning ministers, reassigned portfolios and new responsibilities.
According to the Prime Minister, the new ministerial arrangements are intended to support the government’s policy agenda, with a focus on governance, development and public service delivery.
Several ministers will continue to serve in their existing portfolios. Dr. Ernest Hilaire remains Minister for Tourism, Culture and Commerce, with responsibility for a sector regarded as central to economic growth. Alva Baptiste retains the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, while Richard Frederick continues as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Urban Renewal.
The reshuffle also includes a number of portfolio changes. Shawn Edward has been reassigned as Minister for Infrastructure and Port Services. Moses Jn Baptiste returns as Minister for Health, Wellness and Nutrition. Senior Minister Stephenson King now heads the Ministry for Public Service, Transport, Information and Utilities Regulation.
Kenson Casimir has been appointed Minister for Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation. Supporting that ministry, Danny Butcher has been named Minister in the Ministry of Education, with responsibility for Early Childhood Development, Continuing and Special Education, and Digital Transformation.
Wayne Girard will lead the Ministry for Youth, Economic Development and the Youth Economy. Emma Hippolyte has been assigned the Ministry for Equity, Labour, Gender Affairs, Social Justice and Consumer Welfare. Lisa Jawahir has been appointed Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Climate Change.
Jeremiah Norbert has assumed duties as Minister for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, Conflict Resolution and Persons with Disabilities. Jawahir replaces Alfred Prospere, who has been appointed Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.
Keithson Charles has been named Minister for Physical Development and Public Utilities. John Paul Estephane will serve as Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage. Senator Shandalee Haracksingh has been appointed Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said the Cabinet was structured to address national priorities across key areas including economic development, education, health, infrastructure, social services and public safety.
The new Cabinet assumes office with immediate effect, as the government moves forward with its legislative and policy agenda for the current parliamentary term.
