Barbados – PM Mottley Announces Cabinet Shuffle

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has announced significant changes to her Cabinet, effective January 8, emphasizing the transformative impact on Barbados. 

Marsha Caddle will replace Davidson Ishmael as the Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology. Ishmael, in turn, will assume the role of Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness following Dr. Sonia Browne’s resignation.

Browne will chair the coordination of Government wellness programs and transition to the parliamentary back benches.

Chad Blackman, a former diplomat, will take on the role of Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment. Sandra Husbands joins the Ministry of Education as Minister of State, addressing recent controversies in the education sector.

Ministerial portfolios see adjustments, with the Barbados Water Authority now aligning with the Climate Resilience and Sustainability portfolio led by PM Mottley. Senior Minister William Duguid will oversee the Urban and Rural Development Commission, aligning with Capital project planning. The Building Standards Authority returns to the Ministry of Public Works to streamline governance.

Additionally, two new senators, Chad Blackman and Reverend Charles Morris, replace Lorenzo Harewood and Shanika Roberts-Odle.

Diplomatic changes are on the horizon for 2024, including Vic Fernandes replacing Noel Lynch as Ambassador to the United States of America. Lynch will lead the coordination of the 2024 T20 World Cup, hosted by Barbados. Sharon Marshall becomes Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, and former Central Bank Governor Cleviston Haynes takes on the role of Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland.

Outgoing Senator Lorenzo Harewood assumes the position of Consul General in New York, and Senator Elizabeth Thompson becomes Sherpa. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of these changes for future generations, emphasizing national benefit over immediate political gains.