by Linda Straker
- Jonathan La Crette’s revocation published in 2 August edition of Government Gazette
- Education Minister David Andrew appointed to that position from 31 July to 6 August
- Delma Thomas will serve as Youth and Sports Minister until new minister appointed
Neila Ettienne, Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, has disclosed that Hon. Delma Thomas will serve as Youth and Sports Minister until a new minister is appointed.
Education Minister David Andrew was appointed to serve from 31 July to 6 August 2024 following Jonathan La Crette’s revocation as a senator and minister of government — for Youth and Sports — on 31 July.
A notice published by the Office of the Governor-General in the 2 August edition Government Gazette said that Andrew’s appointment was from 31 July to 6 August: “I DO HEREBY APPOINT YOU, SENATOR THE HONOURABLE DAVID ANDREW, to act as Minister for Youth & Sports from 31st July to 6th August 2024 and to exercise all the functions and authority appertaining to that office from the period 31st July to 6th August 2024. This appointment is additional to your present responsibilities. GIVEN under my hand this 31st day of July 2024.”
In response to an inquiry as to who will be the new Youth and Sports minister, Ettienne, via Whatsapp message, said that Thomas, who also serves as the Minister for Mental Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs—with a special focus on the Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital—will serve “until a new minister is appointed.”
La Crette was serving as a senator at the pleasure of the Prime Minister. However, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell revoked his appointment, saying he lost trust and confidence in La Crette as a minister.
La Crette was one of 7 appointed by the Prime Minister as mandated by the constitution. The Prime Minister is yet to announce a replacement to fill the void following La Crette’s revocation.
The Senate comprises 13 people; while 7 represent the Prime Minister, of the six, 3 are appointed on the advice of the Opposition Leader, and the other 3 are independent senators representing the business community, the agriculture and fishing communities and the labour movement.
