Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has outlined ambitious expectations for his newly sworn-in Cabinet, emphasising performance, accountability and people-centred development as central pillars of his administration.
Among the key structural changes is the merging of tourism and commerce under Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire. Pierre said the move was designed to strengthen collaboration with the private sector. “I’ve joined the ministries of tourism and commerce,” he explained. “Basically, to have a seamless movement between the commercial and the business sector in the country.”
He added that the arrangement would allow “more synergy, more output and more dialogue between the various actors in the private sector,” with support from Minister John Paul Estephane.
Infrastructure has been placed under the stewardship of Shawn Edward, whom Pierre described as a seasoned parliamentarian. “I have invited the honourable Shawn Edward, a four-star parliamentarian, to be the Minister of Infrastructure, Port Services and Energy,” Pierre said, noting that Edward will face the “challenging task” of advancing national infrastructure and completing the Hewanorra
International Airport terminal project.
Health, Wellness and Nutrition has been entrusted to Moses Jn Baptiste, with Pierre highlighting his track record. “The minister has overseen the completion of the St Jude Hospital, and as we speak, the commissioning is taking place,” Pierre said, adding that full operations are expected in early 2026.
Pierre explained that nutrition was added to the health portfolio to address non-communicable diseases. “Part of that problem is because of our eating habits and our lifestyles,” he said. “The minister will be asked to lead in terms of causing us to have a change to our eating habits and our lifestyles.”
Senior Minister Stephenson King has been tasked with public service reform, transport and utility regulation. Pierre said King’s role will include overseeing human resource development and improving e-government services, while ensuring independent regulation of utilities.
“The regulation of utilities should not happen from the minister who is in charge of these utilities,” Pierre said. “The policing will come from another source.”
Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation have been assigned to Kenson Casimir, whom Pierre described as capable and energetic. “I believe he has the youthful energy to deal with the educational reform that has to happen,” Pierre said, adding that Casimir will lead digital transformation efforts nationwide.
The prime minister also highlighted the appointment of Danny Butcher as a minister within education, with responsibility for early childhood, continuing and special education.
“We believe that many of our students go through the system without being ready for it,” Pierre said. “So we have to ensure that our special education is geared to leave no child behind.”
Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Climate Change has been assigned to Lisa Jawahir, with Pierre underscoring the seriousness of the portfolio. “The new minister will have to ensure that the food security of our people is protected,” he said, while warning that climate change could undermine national development efforts.
Pierre concluded with a clear message to his Cabinet. “When we perform, we get rewarded. And if we do not perform, we will not get rewarded,” he said, assuring ministers of his “full trust and confidence” while reminding public servants that “the ministers are the will of the people.”
