NASSAU, Bahamas — Prime Minister Philip E. Davis yesterday announced changes to his Cabinet two weeks ahead of his administration observing its second anniversary as government, The Nassau Guardian reported on Monday, September 4, 2023, in an article written by Executive Editor Candia Dames
The changes include two promotions of ministers of state to substantive ministers.
Jomo Campbell has been moved as Minister of State in the Ministry of Legal Affairs and is now Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
Pia Glover-Rolle, who was Minister of State for the Public Service, is now Minister of Labour and the Public Service.
Clay Sweeting, who was Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government, is now Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs.
Alfred Sears, who served as Minister of Works, is now Minister of Immigration and National Insurance.
Keith Bell, formerly Minister of Labour and Immigration, is the new Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal.
JoBeth Coleby-Davis, who was Minister of Transport and Housing, is now Minister of Energy and Transport.
Zane Lightbourne, who served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, is now Minister of State in the Ministry for the Environment.
And Basil McIntosh, formerly Minister of State in the Ministry for the Environment, has been appointed Minister of State for Aviation
“In making these decisions, my priority was to strengthen policy execution, and to balance continuity and experience with renewal and fresh perspectives,” said Davis, who delivered a nationally-televised address at 5:30 p.m.
“Cabinet is a team, and as on any team, individual strengths and talents add up to make the team stronger.”
In announcing the changes, Davis had high praises for each minister.
Speaking of Bell, who in recent weeks has been mired in controversy as minister of immigration, Davis said he had “very substantial accomplishments”.
“In less than two years as Minister of Labour and Immigration, Minister Bell recruited a record number of immigration officers and oversaw a record number of repatriations,” the prime minister said.
“Because of his leadership, we have a new temporary detention facility in Inagua, which can hold 800 persons, reducing the time and cost of repatriating those who cross into our waters illegally.
“Also because of his leadership, thousands have been deported for immigration violations, and 600 migrants were taken into custody in Abaco this year alone.
“He has worked with the Royal Bahamas Police Force to target human smugglers, as well as those who break our laws by employing or housing undocumented migrants.
“During his tenure as Minister of Labour, the minimum wage was increased, and Labour on the Blocks job fairs across the country resulted in more than 3,000 job placements for Bahamians.
“I know he will bring his trademark energy and determination to his new role as Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal. Building affordable homes and building stronger communities is a priority for us, and doing it in a big way requires strength and focus.
“Keith Bell was part of the team that originally launched Urban Renewal. His experience and commitment to that mission will help to drive the program to even greater success.”
See complete article in The Nassau Guardian at https://thenassauguardian.com/reshuffle/
