“Obey faithfully the Oath of Office” – Pres. Granger urges ministers
─ “The Guyanese Nation can be assured of the smooth functioning of their govt”
─ all ministers ready to take up the challenge of their new offices
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 2, 2019
“The Oath of Office is not a ceremonial ritual, it represents a solemn promise,” were the sentiments of President David Granger as the newly appointed Ministers of Government were sworn in today.
The swearing ceremony was held in the Credentials Room at the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP). President Granger explained that the constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana empowers the President to appoint ministers from among persons who are elected Members of the National Assembly or are qualified to be elected as such members. He further explained that the constitution also mandates, that every minister shall subscribe to an Oath of Office before entering upon the duties of his or her office.
“The Oath of Office is not a ceremonial ritual it represents a solemn promise and creates three principle obligations,” the President emphasised.
“I urge them all [Ministers of Government] to obey faithfully the Oath of Office. The Guyanese Nation can be assured and continue to look forward to the smooth functioning of their government as a result of these changes,” President Granger stated.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with the newly appointed ministers to garner their thoughts as it relates to the execution of the mandate of their new offices.
Dr Karen Cummings, who has been reassigned to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs explained: “I know it’s a lot of hard work, but I am prepared for the tasked and I hope to serve in this new office with distinction.”
Minister Cummings explained that during her tenure at the Ministry of Public Health she was able to see a lot of achievements in the public health system. She explained also that she would be looking to former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge for guidance and for him to share his expertise in this sector.
Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar said that he was given a debrief of his new office. “I started to get acquainted with the different agencies, it is very challenging. We have a lot to offer to the people.”
Newly sworn-in Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Minister of Public Service explained that based on her presence at the recent outreaches she was made aware of issues in her present sector and assured that these issues would be at the top of her agenda.
Dawn Hastings-Williams has been reassigned to serve Minister of State, while Simona Broomes has a new portfolio under the Ministry of Presidency to serve as Minister with responsibility for Youth Affairs. Minister Annette Ferguson is now tasked with responsibility for the housing sector which was headed by Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood, who has been reassigned to serve as Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture.
Rebecca Ganesh.
Images: Keno George.