by Curlan Campbell, NOW Grenada
- Ministers sworn into office on Palm Sunday
- 3 female ministers elected to office for the first time: 2 educators, 1 attorney
Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has completed the formation of his entire cabinet. Among the ministers sworn into office on Palm Sunday at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium, are 3 female ministers elected to office for the first time.
Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart was appointed Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Local Government and Legal Affairs. The newly installed minister believes her transition from serving as an attorney in the private sector to serving in public office will not come without its challenges but is prepared for the task ahead.
“I will give it my all. It’s going to be rough but of course, I am committed, and I am dedicated to the tasked ahead. I am certain that with God’s help and with the understanding and support of the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique and with the guidance and counsel of those who are experienced with time, I certainly will be able to adapt and perform adequately under both ministries.”
Another first-timer to politics, Hon. Pamela Moses will be serving as minister within the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development and Religious Affairs with responsibility for Tertiary Development. A former teacher and principal of the St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS), Moses has served in education for well over 20 years.
The minister spoke with NOW Grenada about her plans to increase the availability of opportunities for students to further their education at the tertiary level. “No more is it okay for a young boy or girl to leave school with 5 O’levels and be satisfied; A’level is also not satisfactory. You have to encourage young people to move to the higher level. Therefore, we look forward to expanding our scholarship opportunities.”
Former teacher, Hon. Kate Lewis also received her appointment as Minister within the Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture, and Arts with responsibility for Youth Development.
Lewis is no stranger when it comes to working with young people and during her tenure as a teacher at the St Joseph’s Convent Grenville, led students of the Junior Achievement Programme to 6 Company of the Year title awards.
She was elated to be appointed to the position, and she looks forward to improving the standard of living of young people. “My priorities are youth empowerment through education and entrepreneurship because we need to look at starting small businesses and ensuring that our young people are educated and receive the right training opportunities so that they may be empowered.”
Meanwhile, although serving as senator in the upper house of parliament, Norland Cox, for the first time will serve as Minister for Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Arts.
Cox said his working experience at the local level in Carriacou prepared him to serve at the national level. “I believe I have a clear understanding of the issues facing young people and I believe going forward much work can be accomplished.”
In the area of heritage preservation, Minister Cox said, “This is something we have already started working on. We have a number of plans to safeguard our cultural assets, like traditional boat building and our big drum dancing. One of the reasons why the prime minister placed culture together with youth development is because they are a critical part of sustaining that cultural heritage.”
The government ministers are all eager to take up their responsibilities as they look forward to serving for the next 5 years.
