(Barbados Nation) The following is a statement yesterday from Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on the changes to the Cabinet.
“Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has announced adjustments to her Cabi-net, with changes in a number of key ministerial portfolios aimed at strengthening the Government’s focus on national priorities.
“Consequent upon a request of the Honourable Corey Layne to be relieved of his duties for personal reasons, effective tomorrow, February 26, the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs will now take responsibility for Crime Prevention.
“The Honourable Kay McConney will become the Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment.
“Meanwhile, Senator The Honourable Chad Blackman will now serve as Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, succeeding The Honourable Kay McConney.
“Sandra Husbands will become the Minister of Training and Tertiary Education.
“Given the request of the Honourable Marsha Caddle to also be relieved of her duties today, Mr Jonathan Reid, formerly Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, has been appointed Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology.
“Dr Crystal Haynes has agreed to step down as a Senator to facilitate the appointment of Jonathan Reid to that portfolio.
“Prime Minister Mottley ex-pressed her confidence in the new appointees and underscored the importance of these Ministries in Barbados’ development agenda.
“The Prime Minister on her own behalf and on behalf of the entire Government of Barbados thanked Corey Lane, Marsha Caddle and Dr Crystal Haynes for their service and contributions, adding she looks forward to her continued support in national development”.
In announcing her resignation, Caddle, the St Michael South Central Member of Parliament issued the following statement.
“When principles do not align, a minister has a duty to resign, so the will and work of the Government can be done. I have reached such a point.
“I am proud of the work I have led in the Ministry over these 14 months, and of which you will hopefully learn during these ongoing Estimates, including the investments in cybersecurity that have been needed, and giving GovTech the resources to begin to build a real tech ecosystem for digital services and transformation. I think I’ve left a good wicket for this sector to be successful.”
