…Minister Yearwood to help empower youths in agriculture sector

FORMER Minister responsible for housing, Valerie Yearwood says she does not see her reassignment as a Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture as a demotion, but rather as a promotion.

It is believed that President David Granger’s reassigning of Yearwood was premised on the controversy which arose over her husband being awarded contracts by her ministry. She has now been placed in the Ministry of Agriculture with responsible for rural affairs.
The President also announced that Annette Ferguson has been reassigned as Minister in the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for housing. She previously served as Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Yearwood told reporters that she is excited about the new position and sees it as a promotion to a field where she can better live out her passions. “It will focus mainly on empowering youths in the agriculture sector; getting them back to the farms because, outside of oil, agriculture is the way to go,” she said, adding: “I see it as a promotion because I’m going into new and exciting areas and I’m up for the challenge.” “What is demotion? My salary is not affected, my allowances, nothing is affected. So why would it be a demotion?”

In addition to Yearwood, Simona Broomes was also reassigned as Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs. She was previously Junior Minister of Natural Resources. Also Tabitha Sarabo-Halley has been appointed Minister of Public Service, replacing Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams has been appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency, replacing Joseph Harmon and MP Haimraj Rajkumar has been appointed Minister of Business, replacing Dominic Gaskin.

Rajkumar, who has had some 13 years’ experience in business, said that he studied marketing; economics and management and established his own pharmacy business. “I’m sure I’ll be able to contribute to the efficiency of the ministry,” he said.

With his experience gathered as Region Two MP, Rajkumar hopes to advance tourism in the region through merging the tri-lakes, namely the Itutibisi, Capoey and Tapakuma, and through the development of the Supenaam waterfront project as a tourist destination.
Also speaking on the sidelines, Gaskin said that while he holds a different position on his particular case regarding dual citizenship, he will move forward and will not to argue with the court.

The Former Minister of Business was born in the United Kingdom but is a citizen of Guyana by descent. “I think it’s a sign of our government’s commitment to adherence to our Constitution and the laws of Guyana…I respect the Chief Justice. I respect her ruling and I have to act in accordance with that ruling,” Gaskin said. He is now considering furthering his career in the private sector but is also open to serving as an adviser of business and tourism in the government, should there be a request.