Barbados Cabinet Reshuffle: Prime Minister Mia Mottley Announces Key Changes
Prime Minister Announces Cabinet Reshuffle
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC—Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced a Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, hours after her Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Minister, Marsha Caddle, resigned, complaining that she had reached a point where “principles” no longer aligned.
Changes in Ministerial Portfolios
In a statement, Mottley, the country’s first female head of Government since leading the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a convincing victory in 2018, said changes would be made in several key ministerial portfolios to strengthen the Government’s focus on national priorities.
She said that, consequently, upon Corey Layne’s request to be relieved of his duties for personal reasons, the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs will now take responsibility for Crime Prevention, effective tomorrow, February 26. Layne served as Minister of State in the Attorney General’s Office, responsible for Crime Prevention.
New Appointments
Mottley also announced that Kay McConney would become the Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, while Chad Blackman will succeed McConney as Minister of Education, Technological, and Vocational Training. Sandra’s husband will become the Minister of training and tertiary education.
Jonathan Reid Appointed Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology
Mottley said that, given Caddle’s request to be relieved of her duties, Jonathan Reid, formerly Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, has been appointed Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology. She said Dr Crystal Haynes has agreed to step down as a Senator to facilitate Jonathan Reid’s appointment to that portfolio.
Prime Minister’s Statement
In her statement, Prime Minister Mottley expressed confidence in the new appointees and underscored the importance of these ministries in Barbados’ development agenda.
“The Prime Minister, on her behalf and behalf of the entire Government of Barbados, thanks Corey Lane, Marsha Caddle, and Dr Crystal Haynes for their service and contributions, and look forward to her continued support in national development,” the statement added.
Conclusions
The Cabinet reshuffle is aimed at strengthening the Government’s focus on national priorities and ensuring a smooth transition in key ministerial portfolios. The Prime Minister has expressed confidence in the new appointees and emphasized the importance of these ministries in Barbados’ development agenda.
FAQs
Q: Why did Marsha Caddle resign?
A: Caddle resigned, citing a point where “principles” no longer aligned, making it necessary for her to step down to ensure the Government’s will and work can be carried out.
Q: Who will take over as Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology?
A: Jonathan Reid, formerly Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, has been appointed Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology.
Q: What are the key changes in ministerial portfolios?
A: The Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs will now take responsibility for Crime Prevention, while Kay McConney will become the Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, and Chad Blackman will succeed McConney as Minister of Education, Technological, and Vocational Training.
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