MINOR RESHUFFLE – Sen. Brenda Hood promoted to Minister

By Linda Straker

Former Minister for Culture, Alexandra Otway-Noel, said that the decision to separate the Culture Ministry from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Ministries is a good decision because the workload has been tremendous.

Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell announced a minor reshuffle to Grenada’s Cabinet 14 months after his Cabinet of Ministers took the oath of Office after his New National Party won the February 19, 2013 General Elections.

During last week’s post-Cabinet briefing, Dr. Mitchell said the decision was taken to have a Minister solely responsible for Tourism and Civil Aviation, and another in charge of the affairs of Culture.

Senator Brenda Hood, who was Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Culture, was promoted
to head the Ministry of Culture.

“The Culture issue is one that is extremely important. As you know, it ties in a lot with development and of course, the promotion of this country,” Prime Minister Mitchell said, while he explained that Hood will be a full Minister in Cabinet responsible for Culture and Minister Otway-Noel will continue to be in Cabinet, but responsible for Civil Aviation and Tourism.

In a statement via her Facebook account, Minister Otway-Noel said that the decision to split the ministries is a very good one. “The workload has been tremendous and all three ministries are so important for us to have a world-class tourism product. I welcome the decision and congratulate Minister Hood on her appointment as Minister for Culture, and our Honourable Prime Minister for his
vision,” she wrote.

“We will continue to work together and with the rest of our team to ensure Grenada continues to advance in all areas. I would like to thank the staff at the Ministry of Culture for their hard work and dedication over the last year. Thank you all for your continued love and support! God bless,” said the statement, which was addressed to family, friends and supporters.

Prime Minister Mitchell, who is also the Minister for Finance, said that the change will not have significant financial effects on the administration of the ministries as they currently exist.

“There will be one Permanent Secretary for the both ministries and nothing new will be added,” he said.