New portfolios will enhance efficiency – DG Harmon
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 16, 2019
“(The new appointments) is all about rebalancing and ensuring that we have the best arrangements in place to ensure that government’s business is conducted an efficient manner.”
That was the analysis of the newly appointed Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon in addressing the appointment of several former ministers to new positions in government.
Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon.
Former Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge was appointed Foreign Secretary within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dominic Gaskin, former Minister of Business was appointed Director of Manufacturing and Marketing within the Ministry of Business
Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, former Minister of Public Service has been appointed Director of Public Service Training within the Ministry of the Presidency. Harmon himself is the former Minister of State. The four ministers resigned as Members of Parliament and Ministers following the ruling of the Chief Justice in the dual citizenship case.
Harmon, who was speaking at the weekly Post-Cabinet media conference at the Ministry of the Presidency, explained that the changes in government is part of a well-thought out process and is to ensure government’s business is carried out efficiently.
Harmon’s new post will see him assisting President Granger with management of the Department of Energy, the Department of Environment, Public Service, Department of Citizenship and Defence.
Foreign Secretary Greenidge holds responsibility for the Department of Frontiers and Territorial Integrity and the Department of Trade and Economic Cooperation.
Director Gaskin now has responsibility for the enforcement of standards, assisting small producers’ access to markets, particularly Eastern Caribbean markets.
And Dr. Roopnaraine will focus on training standards at the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, Guyana Defence Force Staff College and Guyana Police Force Staff College.
On Wednesday, President David Granger announced that by month’s end there will be a shake up of the Permanent Secretaries.
Anara Khan.
Image: Anil Seelall.