New Prime Minister holds first Cabinet meeting in Antigua

PM Spencer and his Cabinet. Back row (left to right): Colin Derrick, Minister of Social Transformation; John Maginley, Minister of Health, Sports and Youth Affairs; Dr. Errol Cort , Minister of Finance and the Economy; Harold Lovell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Trade; Charlesworth Samuel, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; Bertrand Joseph, Minister of Education. Front row (left to right): Wilmoth Daniel, Minister of Public Works and Communication; Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Justin Simon, Attorney General.
Photo: Norman 'Gus' Thomas 

Sunday, March 28, 2004

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua: Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer continues to settle in his new position and office as Antigua and Barbuda's third Prime Minister.

On Tuesday March 23rd, Spencer's United Progressive Party (UPP) broke the 28-year rule of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) when it won 12 to 4 in general elections, which political observers say was the fiercest in the country's history.

On Friday, flanked by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Agnes James, who welcomed and introduced him, PM Spencer addressed OPM staffers as he briefed them on the expectations and plans of his administration.

He pointed out that, as with any new administration, there will be changes. "You will see some new faces as we move along, and once you are prepared to do your work in a professional manner, things will go smoothly," the new Prime Minister said.

Mr. Spencer pointed out to staffers that their commitment to work will be to the benefit of all Antigua and Barbuda and encouraged them to be at their best for their country. Noting that, many of them have worked at the OPM for a long time and have a great deal of experience in the running of the system. 

He pointed out that he will lean on that experience from time to time as the OPM leads the way in setting examples for other ministries to follow. He however warned that there will be no "free rides" and said that he intends to be an approachable Prime Minister, one who is prepared to learn in his new office.

"Although I have been given a top position, I will remain the humble young boy from Gray's Farm", he concluded.

Following the meeting with his staff, PM Spencer also held his first meeting with the newly appointed members of his Cabinet.

The Prime Minister welcomed his colleagues to the first meeting of "government in the sunshine" and exhorted them to honour their commitment to serving the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

"I wish to say to all of you that we have a sacred duty to perform and to discharge our responsibilities to the people of Antigua and Barbuda in such a way that we will make the people of this country proud of all of us", he said.

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