Congratulations are in order for the Mercelina II Cabinet (see related story) and particularly its new Ministers Nathalie Tackling (SAM) of Justice, Richinel Brug (URSM) of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA and Melissa Gumbs (PFP) of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (EYCS).
The remaining four cabinet members are returning, although Patrice Gumbs (PFP) has been in office as Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI for an even shorter period than the others.
one were there very long anyway, because the Mercelina I Cabinet lost majority backing in Parliament within weeks of its installation after a faction member of then-coalition party NOW suddenly withdrew his support. This led to an early election, the second in just seven months.
It turns out three of the same governing partners URSM, DP and PFP are back as such, and SAM has replaced NOW. While these limited changes should promote continuity in policy, the three new ministers will no doubt want to put their own accent on the portfolios they take over.
Important is to remember that being a public administrator entails carrying direct individual political responsibility. When it comes to their executive task, the buck simply stops there.
Governor Ajamu Baly nevertheless encouraged them to work as a group – not operate “in silos” – and warned against complacency. He also mentioned a series of seven issues that need urgent attention.
In that sense, the Council of Ministers appointed on Tuesday according to schedule knows what challenges lie ahead. May they rise to the occasion.
