President Donald Ramotar has assigned Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn, the functions which fall under the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, with effect from February 4, 2013 while the minister is out of the country. The Head of State has also assigned Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Alli Baksh, the functions which fall under the portfolio of Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie S. Ramsammy with effect from February 2, 2013 while Minister Ramsammy is abroad.