Prime Minister announces Portfolio Adjustments
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Address by the Hon. Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister of Grenada regarding Ministerial Portfolio Adjustments
St. George's, Grenada, September 30th, 2011: Ladies and Gentlemen, I address you tonight following closely upon my recent address in which I outlined my Government’s work program for Grenada over the next two years.In that presentation I pointed out that no matter how noble our intentions and grand our plans, they will all come to naught, if suitable arrangements are not made for their proper, efficient and effective implementation.
I reminded the nation that if we are to succeed in implementing these projects, a well defined and workable plan must be put in place for implementation. Equally important, is the deployment of a strong, competent and suitably motivated team to make things happen. Any such team must be well lead and, in this regard, I wish the public to have confidence in the knowledge that I, as Prime Minister, will lead the National Development Agenda and provide the spearhead role for the implementation of this ambitious program of work of our Government.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In addition to these changes at the operational level, I have determined that a few ministerial portfolio adjustments would help us to improve our effectiveness as we embark upon this program, specifically, and the impact of Government, generally.
Accordingly, I have advised the Governor General of the following changes:
First, Ministerial responsibility for the Ministry of Works, Physical Development and Public Utilities is being assigned to Senator the Hon. Dennoth Modeste.
Senator Modeste is an experienced and excellent administrator. As a public servant in the 1980's he held the post of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in 1990 was appointed Ambassador of Grenada to the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS).
Secondly, the Ministry of the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development will once again operate as a separate ministry, with Ministerial responsibility being assigned to the Hon. Joseph Gilbert. This appointment signifies my Government’s desire to have the important responsibilities of this portfolio in experienced and capable hands. Accordingly, we are sending a strong message to both the national and international communities that Grenada is giving serious attention to its development challenges through the appropriate public policy responses.
Our record of achievements in these areas must be significantly improved to the benefit of the economy and all our citizens. Much is therefore expected of Minister Gilbert in his new assignment.
Thirdly, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is being expanded to include the portfolio of Culture. I have opted for this course of action recognizing the close synergies that exist between these two areas. The Ministry will now be the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, with Senator the Hon. Arley Gill, joining that ministry as Junior Minister with responsibility for Culture.
In this regard, I wish tonight to recognize the efforts of Senator Gill in promoting our cultural policy and agenda. He has shown great passion for this area and can do much to ensure that we market Grenada to the world through our culture, cultural artistes, festivals and events.
Finally, the Prime Minister’s Ministry is being adjusted to include the portfolio of National Mobilization and Senator the Hon. Glen Noel is being appointed as Junior Minister with responsibility for Information and National Mobilization.
Ladies and Gentlemen, while our efforts to develop and implement a roadmap to recovery is recognized and applauded by many, it is no secret that the people of Grenada have been less than satisfied with our efforts to keep them engaged and informed about what we are doing.
As a government, we must recognize and accept as our duty, the responsibility to share with the people our successes and failures, our challenges and opportunities and, most importantly, to hear your questions and concerns, your challenges and opportunities, as well as your suggestions and recommendations on economic and social development and other issues.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To fulfill this duty and to effectively implement our work program for the collective benefit of all Grenadians, we must once again seriously engage and mobilize our business community; our workers, teachers, nurses and policemen; our farmers and fishermen; our churches; our youth and students; our bus drivers and taxi drivers and all those who form a part of this proud nation. What we are talking about here is “mobilisation for national development” as distinct from narrow political concerns.
It is for this reason that I am assigning Senator Noel the responsibility for Information and National Mobilization.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I believe that these changes would be in the best interest of our government and the country at this time and wish the affected Ministers the very best in their new assignments. In making these changes I have remained mindful that one of the fundamental responsibilities of the Prime Minister is to make arrangements for the proper and beneficial performance of Government.
This duty carries with it the obligation of accountability to the public. As Ministers of Government, we are all called upon to serve and to do so with humility, respect for authority and due consideration to the values of the Grenadian people and their legitimate concerns for an improved standard of living and general welfare. This really is the true purpose of government and must be the foremost concern of every member of the Cabinet.
These changes will come into effect on October 7th, 2011
I thank you and may God Bless us all.
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