New Cabinet sworn in
Sunday July 13th, 2008- St. George’s: All ministers of government in the new Grenada administration, headed by Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, will take up office today (Monday, July 14).
The ministers were sworn in at a ceremony at the National Stadium on Sunday. The ceremony, part of what was dubbed as a "Weekend of Thanksgiving and Reconciliation,'' was attended by Barbadian Prime Minister David Thompson, former Grenada Governor General Sir Paul, Chief Justice of the OECS Supreme Court Hugh Rawlins, and several foreign diplomats.
Prime Minister Thomas, who led his National Democratic Congress party to a landslide 11 – 4 win over the New National Party in general elections on July 8, described Sunday's swearing in of his cabinet ministers as an "historic'' occasion. "Today marks the beginning of a new era for Grenada,'' Thomas said at the ceremony, which was presided over by Governor General Sir Daniel Williams. "I give you the assurance that we will do our utmost to uphold and maintain the institutions of Grenada.''
A large crowd witnessed the ceremony, which was interrupted by a heavy downpour of shower. After the rain stopped, the following ministerial and senatorial appointments were announced and the ministers sworn in:
Nazim Burke: Minister of Finance, Planning, Economic Development, Energy and Foreign Trade
Peter David: Minister of Foreign Affairs & Tourism
Michael Denis Lett: Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries
Glynis Roberts: Minister of Social Services, Ecclesiastical Affairs & Labour
Alleyne Walker: Minister of Housing, Lands & Community Development
Patrick Simmons: Minister of Youth Empowerment, Culture & Sports
Karl Hood: Minister of Health
Joseph Gilbert: Minister of Works, Physical Development, Public Utilities & Environment
Senator George Prime: Minister of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs
Michael Church: Minister of State for Finance, Planning, Economy, Energy & Foreign Trade
Sylvester Quarless: Minister of State for Works, Physical Development & Environment
Senator Franca Bernadine: Minister of Education & Human Resources
Senator Ann Peters: Minister of State for Health
Senator Arley Gill: Minister of State for Youth Empowerment, Culture & Sports
Senator Glen Noel: Minister of State for Housing, Lands and Community Development
Other senators appointed, but not named to any portfolios, were former Member of Parliament Joan Purcell and medical doctor, Pemba Braveboy.
President of the Grenada Bar Association, Jimmy Bristol, was appointed the new Attorney General. In addition to Prime Minister, Thomas also holds the portfolios of Legal Affairs, National Security and Information.
