- Norman Grindley Minister of Industry and Tourism, Aloun Assamba, laughs as Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke pokes fun at Cabinet ministers during yesterday's swearing-in ceremony at Kings House.
Erica Virtue, Staff Reporter
THE LOUDEST applause was reserved for the three women in Prime Minister P. J. Patter-son's 17-member Cabinet at yesterday's swearing-in ceremony at Kings House.
Resounding applause rang out when the newest Cabinet member, Aloun N'dombet Assamba's name, was called to take the Oath of Office. Mrs. Assamba, a first-time Parliamentarian, has been given the super Ministry of Industry and Tourism.
But the applause was louder when the new Minister of Education, Maxine Henry-Wilson's name, was announced. She was rejoining the Cabinet after resigning her position as Information Minister, to work on the ground, for months leading up to the just concluded general election.
Mrs. Henry-Wilson, like Mrs. Assamba, is a first-timer in Parliament.
But, there was applause also for the veteran, Portia Simpson Miller, who now heads the Ministry of Local Government, Com-munity Development and Sport. All three, resplendent in red, received big hugs from Prime Minister P. J. Patterson.
The Prime Minister, appearing at what is believed to be his final swearing-in ceremony for ministers of his Cabinet, challenged the team to walk humbly, and provide strong and effective leadership for the people of Jamaica.
After swearing allegiance to the Consti-tution and people of Jamaica and taking the collective Oath of Office, Prime Minister Patterson, told his Cabinet that "the strength of Government is not measured by the size of the majority", but by the resolute and effective manner in which it executes its duties, and how it carries out the mandate with which it has been entrusted.
Mr. Patterson said the party and Govern-ment heard the Jamaican people and read the message of the electorate clearly. According to him, the electorate told them they wanted an end to polarisation in any shape and form, they wanted unity, and reconciliation.
He charged the new Cabinet to "lead the healing of the nation", and urged them to "keep close and continuing touch with those it is elected to serve".
"We must fight against poverty, the spreading urbanisation, crime and violence and every sector must be involved," the Prime Minister said. He singled out Jamaicans overseas, noting that they are involved in their country and they should not be left out.
He called on the private sector to assert themselves as the engine of growth with Government providing a stimulating environment.
The Prime Minister also told his ministers that "justice must not only be a concept, but something everyone should enjoy." He told them to spend some time with their families, because they have no honeymoon.
Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke challenged the Education Ministry to make sure that the country remembers its unsung heroes, finding them in their communities, irrespective of how remote they are and highlight their contribution..
"We are a great people and great things have happened here," Sir Howard said.
