PM Mottley announces Cabinet reshuffle

Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Saturday announced changes to the Cabinet, effective Monday, January 8.

The changes are as follows:

• Marsha Caddle will assume responsibility for the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology.

• Chad Blackman, who is currently serving as Special Advisor to the Director General of the International Labour Organisation, has been invited to return to Barbados to take up the post of Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment.  Ryan Straughn remains Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

• Davidson Ishmael, the current Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, will now serve as Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, replacing Dr Sonia Browne who resigned this week.

• Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development, Sandra Husbands will move to the Ministry of Education where she will assume responsibility for higher education and technical vocational training.

Mottley also announced minor adjustments to ministerial portfolios “for better realignment.”

The Prime Minister, who has been covering climate resilience and sustainably in her office with Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, will now add the Barbados Water Authority to her portfolio.

The Urban and Rural Development Commission, which used to be in the Office of the Prime Minister, will now move to the Senior Minister in charge of Planning, Dr William Duguid.

The Building Standards Authority will go back to the Ministry of Public Works, the Prime Minister announced.

Changes in the Senate

Mottley also announced changes in the Senate.

Chad Blackman, having accepted the offer to serve in the Cabinet, will be appointed as a Senator, replacing Senator Lorenzo Harewood.

Rev Charles Morris will also be appointed a Senator to replace Senator Shanika Roberts-Odle. 

(DLB)