{"id":6460,"date":"2012-06-22T22:33:45","date_gmt":"2012-06-23T02:33:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/?p=6460"},"modified":"2012-06-26T03:55:46","modified_gmt":"2012-06-26T07:55:46","slug":"pm-announces-cabinet-resuffle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/?p=6460","title":{"rendered":"PM Announces Cabinet Resuffle"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar<\/a>Shortly before 8:00 PM tonight, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, announced the highly anticipated reshuffle of her administration. Two Ministers were fired and several others either received promotions or less significant portfolios. <\/p>\n

Most significantly, Jack Warner, has been given the National Security Ministry, replacing Brigadier John Sandy.
\n
\nAlso replaced was Minister of Youth, Child Development and Gender Affairs Verna St Rose Greaves, by Marlene Coudray.<\/p>\n

New to the government were former Member of Parliament Ganga Singh – Minister of Environment and Water Resources, as well as Larry Howai – Minister of Finance and the Economy. <\/p>\n

Winston Dookeran took over the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs, which was previously held by Surujrattan Rambachan. Rambachan is now the Minister of Local Government. <\/p>\n

Senator Devant Maharaj, who was formerly the Minister of Transport is now the Minister of Food Production. And Senator Vasant Bharath who was previously the Minister of Food Production, now heads the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment.<\/p>\n

There was also the creation of the Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration to be led by Clifton DeCoteau. Other ministries underwent modifications such as the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education which was separated into the Ministry of Science and Technology, now headed by Dr. Rupert Griffith and the Ministry of Tertiary Education now headed by Senator Fazal Karim.<\/p>\n

Here is the list:<\/em><\/p>\n

New Ministerial portfolios<\/strong><\/p>\n

Minister of National Security: Austin Jack Warner;
\nMinister in the Ministry of People and Social Development: Vernella Alleyne-Toppin;
\nMinister of Communications: Jamal Mohammed;
\nMinister of Gender, Youth and Child Development: Marlene Coudray;
\nMinister of Transport: Chandresh Sharma;
\nMinister of Tobago Development: Dr Delmon Baker;
\nMinister of Local Government: Dr Surujrattan Rambachan;
\nMinister of Public Utilities: Nizam Baksh;
\nMinister of Works and Infrastructure: Senator Emmanuel George:
\nMinister of Arts and Multiculturalism: Dr Lincoln Douglas;
\nMinister of Tourism: Stephen Cadiz;
\nMinister of Community Development: Winston Peters;
\nMinister of Science and Technology: Dr Rupert Griffith;
\nMinister of Tertiary Education: Fazal Karim;
\nMinister of Foreign Affairs: Winston Dookeran;
\nMinister of the Environment and Water Resources: Ganga Singh;
\nMinister in the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources: Ramona Ramdial;
\nMinister of National Diversity and Social Integration: Clifton de Coteau;
\nMinister in the Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration: Embau Moheni;
\nMinister of Finance and the Economy: Larry Howai;
\nMinister of Food Production: Devant Maharaj;
\nMinister of State in the Ministry of Food Production: Jairam Seemungal;
\nMinister of Trade, Industry and Investment: Vasant Bharath; and
\nDeputy Speaker: Nela Khan<\/p>\n

Unchanged positions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Attorney General: Anand Ramlogan;
\nMinister of Housing: Dr Roodal Moonilal;
\nMinister of Legal Affairs: Prakash Ramadhar;
\nMinister of the People: Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh;
\nMinister of Labour & Small & Micro Enterprise Dev’t: Errol McLeod;
\nMinister of Energy: Kevin Ramnarine;
\nMinister of Planning: Dr Bhoe Tewarie;
\nMinister of Sport: Anil Roberts;
\nMinister of Public Administration: Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan;
\nMinister of Education: Dr Tim Gopeesingh;
\nMinister of Health: Dr Fuad Khan; and
\nMinister in the Ministry of National Security: Collin Partap.<\/p>\n

The Prime Minister thanked the cabinet for their service and reaffirmed her government\u2019s objective to further the national agenda based on these changes. She said all changes were discussed and approved individually by each member of cabinet.<\/p>\n

_________<\/p>\n

The following is the full text of the Prime Minister’s address<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n

Good evening fellow citizens.<\/p>\n

On May 24th I signalled to the nation my intention to carry out a reconfiguration of the Cabinet. Since then I have met quietly with people from all sectors of society to gather views and opinions from the widest cross-section of the population as possible.<\/p>\n

I have also interviewed and considered several candidates from within and outside of my Cabinet and evaluated several presentations. I have entertained discussions with the government’s strongest critics and most ardent supporters both of whom have helped provide me with broader perspectives. As someone once said, the best way to understand people is to listen to them. I have also sought wisdom and guidance through prayer and meditation. <\/p>\n

There are new faces in the Cabinet and major shifts in responsibilities and portfolios as I sought to get the most out of the best fit possible. The changes made should not be seen for any one as an indictment on performance. Each member of my Cabinet has worked tirelessly in service to the nation and I am proud of their contribution. Our task was challenging from the very start.<\/p>\n

The government was elected on the wings of huge expectations from a population that had already waited too long for far too much. We assumed office after a period of excessive spending that had not addressed critical social and people centered needs. The result was a depleted Treasury and a nation in urgent need of help in so many areas. <\/p>\n

It became our greatest challenge to stabilise the economy while investing heavily in addressing these needs, from broadening the social assistance programmes, fixing the CLICO issue, settling some 36 wage negotiations and broadening the development of the country for the first time into areas that had been neglected for decades.<\/p>\n

And we had to do it while protecting ourselves from the effects of a global economy that is reeling under the weight of a recession. But it is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.
\nWe had the courage to take bold, new steps. Whether it was education, agriculture, crime, health, roads, the initiatives were strident and results driven. Against all odds we persevered and delivered much, always cognisant of the fact that we were elected for the very reasons that challenge us now as a government.<\/p>\n

But as I see it, the government has two choices, we can pat ourselves on the back and say under the circumstances, “well done,” or we can look at all we did not achieve, we can choose instead to listen to those who are not satisfied, we can measure the way forward by looking at areas where we have gone wrong or not done enough, we can reassess approaches and strategies, improving upon everything in every way possible. We can choose to work harder, to do more, and to be urged on by the criticisms even as we are inspired by the congratulations.<\/p>\n

The reconfiguration of my Cabinet will meet with reviews from all over and everyone will have their say one way or the other. I ask one thing of every consideration made and that is to acknowledge what change is possible from within us all.<\/p>\n

It is there in the most iconic symbol of change there could be, an oil drum, hammered out into the only musical instrument in the world developed in the last century, the steelpan. Over the next few years Trinidad and Tobago will undergo a similar transformation borne out of the same ingenuity, creativity and innovativeness which our people have become so famous for. <\/p>\n

It is time to reclaim that self-belief. Our nation enters a new phase of its development where talents and resources are harnessed from people across all boundaries. We are all in this together. It touches each of us so we are all part of the solutions which your government now leads. In every area of the nation’s development our citizenry has a role to play and a purpose to serve.<\/p>\n

The changes which I am about to announce in the Cabinet must deliver a level of competence and performance for an impatient and expectant population. I have been very clear on what is required of each member of the new Cabinet.
\nIn my discussions with these men and women who will now take us forward into another phase of our development, I reaffirmed the oath we all took in 2010 and of the promise we made to our people to serve the people with humility.<\/p>\n

I urged then that “We must accept no mediocrity. Neither must we contribute to it in any way. There must be no room for arrogance. We must be faithful to a leadership style that is firm, but humble, passionate and impatient for great achievements, but ever conscious of the correct procedures.”<\/p>\n

Those words are as relevant now as they were then. I recall them now as a renewal of our commitment to you. <\/p>\n

There is no room for egos nor personal agendas. Every single appointment made by me has received the full support of those selected. <\/p>\n

Fellow citizens, it is with great pride and honour that I announce your government’s performance team: <\/p>\n

Minister of National Security — Jack Warner, M.P
\nMinister in the Ministry of National Security — Collin Partap, M.P
\nMinister of Legal Affairs — Prakash Ramadhar, M.P
\nAttorney General — Senator Anand Ramlogan
\nMinister of the People and Social Development — Dr. Glenn Ramadharsingh, M.P
\nMinister in the Ministry of the People and Social Development — Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, M.P
\nMinister of Education — Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, M.P
\nMinister of Housing — Dr. Roodal Moonilal, M.P
\nMinister of Gender, Youth and Child Development\t— Marlene Coudray
\nMinister of Justice — Herbert Volney, M.P
\nMinister of Public Administration — Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, M.P
\nMinister of Energy — Senator Kevin Ramnarine
\nMinister of Labour & Small & Micro Enterprise Dev’t — Errol Mc Leod, M.P
\nMinister of Transport — Chandresh Sharma, M.P
\nMinister of Sport — Anil Roberts, M.P
\nMinister of Planning — Sen. Dr. Bhoendradatt Tiwarie
\nMinister of Public Utilities — Nizam Baksh, M.P
\nMinister of Tobago Development — Dr.Delmon Baker, M.P
\nMinister of Local Government — Dr.Surujrattan Rambachan, M.P
\nMinister in the Ministry of Local Government — Rudranath Indarsingh, M.P
\nMinister of Works and Infrastructure — Sen. Emmanuel George
\nMinister in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure — Stacy Roopnarine, M.P
\nMinister of the Arts and Multiculturalism — Dr. Lincoln Douglas, M.P
\nMinister of Health — Dr.Fuad Khan, M.P
\nMinister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister — Rodger Samuel, M.P
\nMinister of Tertiary Education — Senator Fazal Karim
\nMinister of Tourism — Stephen Cadiz, M.P
\nMinister of Community Development — Winston Peters, M.P
\nMinister of Food Production — Sen. Devant Maharaj
\nMinister of State in the Ministry of Food Production — Jairam Seemungal, MP
\nMinister of Science & Technology — Dr.Rupert Griffith
\nMinister of Foreign Affairs — Winston Dookeran, M.P
\nMinister of Trade, Industry & Investment — Sen.Vasant Bharath
\nMinister of the Environment & Water Resources — Ganga Singh
\nMinister of State in the Ministry of Environment & Water Resources — Ramona Ramdial, M.P
\nMinister of National Diversity & Social Integration — Clifton De Coteau
\nMinster in the Ministry of National Diversity & Social Integration — Senator Embau Moheni
\nMinister of Communication — Jamal Mohammed
\nMinister of Finance & The Economy (with responsibility for Caribbean Airlines) — Larry Howai
\nDeputy Speaker — Nela Khan, M.P<\/p>\n

Fellow citizens, the leadership team assembled here is reposed with the greatest of responsibility. Having reconfigured our Government, I expect now that we can continue, with greater impetus and determination to fulfill our promise to deliver our people and country to unprecedented development and progress.<\/p>\n

As we move forward, we must outdo our own performance. We must lift our own benchmarks. We must surpass our own targets.<\/p>\n

Let us all join together to become part of the effort to further this new beginning for our great nation. <\/p>\n

May God bless you all and may God bless our nation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Shortly before 8:00 PM tonight, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, announced the highly anticipated reshuffle of her administration. Two Ministers were fired and several others either received promotions or less significant portfolios. Most significantly, Jack Warner, has been given the National Security Ministry, replacing Brigadier John Sandy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,186,396,7,160],"tags":[394,147,144,1015,49],"class_list":["post-6460","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-tt","category-law","category-peoples-partnership","category-politics","category-security","tag-anand-ramlogan","tag-jack-warner","tag-kamla-persad-bissessar","tag-politics","tag-tt-govt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6460","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6460"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6460\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6491,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6460\/revisions\/6491"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6460"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6460"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6460"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}