– President expresses full confidence in new team
– Says national interest the bottom-line
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar swore in his 20-member cabinet, at State House yesterday; familiar faces, some in old positions and others shuffled around, while five new faces cast their lot in with the leadership team. The Head of State expressed full confidence in the team, calling for everyone to bring full dedication and commitment to the task of nation building.
“We will work together in the interest of the well-being of our people and in the interest of the development of Guyana,” he said.
Ramotar acknowledged that there will be challenges over the next five years, but stressed that close collaboration among stakeholders will see these overcome.
He said, “Those who are coming in for the first time, you have people here who are experienced enough to help you along…I hope you would dedicate all your waking hours to the work of the people…that is all I ask.”
The new additions sworn in include:

1. Mr. Ali Baksh as Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, a new position;
2. Mr. Juan Edghill as Minister within the Finance Ministry;
3. Mr. Nanda Gopaul as Minister of Labour, replacing Mr. Manzoor Nadir;
4. Mr. Anil Nandlall as Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, replacing Mr. Charles Ramson; and
5. Mr. Ganga Persaud as Local Government Minister, replacing Mr. Norman Whittaker. Whittaker, who is now Minister within the Local Government Ministry, was among several others who were shuffled around to new positions in the Cabinet.

The other Cabinet members are:
1. Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who was shifted from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security;
2. Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who was shifted from the Ministry of Health;
3. Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, who served as Junior Health Minister before;
4. Human Services and Social Security Minister Jennifer Webster;
5. Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford;
6. Natural Resource and Environment Minister Robert Persaud;
7. Housing Minister Irfaan Ali;
8. Culture Youth and Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony;
9. Public Works Minister Robeson Benn;
10. Foreign Affairs Minster Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett;
11. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh;
12. Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai;
13. Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee; and
14. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who will be serving in this capacity for yet another term.
The Minister of Tourism designate is expected to be announced shortly and subsequently sworn in.
Dr. Roger Luncheon remains as Head of the Presidential Secretariat, according to Ramotar, in an invited comment.
The newly sworn in officials spoke to the Guyana Chronicle and the general consensus among the members of the leadership team is that after they have received status updates work will commence, with specific focus in priority areas.