Yahneake Sterling, Staff ReporterTHE SELECTION of Ministers announced by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has led some political pundits to believe she has put together a Cabinet aimed at winning an election.
Political analyst Lambert Brown told The Gleaner yesterday that the Cabinet named by the new Prime Minister is one of continuity that will lead her party towards the next election.
"The retention of Maxine Henry-Wilson and Peter Phillips in their Ministries shows a magnanimous state on the part of the Prime Minister, wisdom, a willingness to have a united party with the ability to win an election," he said.
With regard to the three new
additions to the Cabinet, Mr. Brown expressed confidence in Anthony Hylton, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and said he was hopeful that Derrick Kellier, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, will bring his dispute resolution machinery from the National Security Ministry.
Mr. Brown however said he remained sceptical of the merging of Development with the Information portfolio given to Colin Campbell.
Robert Buddan, lecturer in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies, said he had not expected any dramatic changes to the Cabinet.
"I see much continuity with the previous Cabinet and I think that there was a feeling that this was necessary especially since we are going into the budget period and some sign of continuity and stability in the Government would be important," he said. "But the Kellier appointment I had not anticipated."
Mr. Buddan added that the return
of Campbell and Hylton was not
surprising as both had been instrumental in Simpson Miller party winning the presidential campaign.
