Government Begins Reorganization of State Boards Following Election Victory

The Gaston Browne administration has started reorganizing state boards and finalizing key appointments following its victory in the April 30 general election.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that Cabinet had already begun reviewing several statutory boards as part of the government’s post-election restructuring process.

“A number of boards were looked at, and they will continue to look at them next week,” Merchant said.

He said individuals were being selected for positions where Cabinet believes they can “function effectively” and help carry out the administration’s development agenda.

The update came as the government also confirmed several Senate leadership appointments and parliamentary changes ahead of the start of the new parliamentary session next week.

Merchant said Cabinet has nominated Alincia Williams-Grant to serve as President of the Senate and Senator Philip Shoul as Vice President.

Senator Shenella Govia, who also serves as Minister of State within the Ministry of Works, is expected to become Leader of Government Business in the Senate.

Merchant said the administration views the composition of the Senate as a mix of “women and youth married with experience.”

He also announced that Tiffany Strann Peters would be sworn in later Thursday as the government’s final Senate appointee, increasing female representation on the government benches.

In addition, Joel Rayne is set to be sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance under Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Merchant said the government intends to “hit the ground running” during its new term after securing a fourth consecutive election victory.

Parliament is expected to convene Monday for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker before the ceremonial opening of Parliament later this month.

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