Bermuda trims cabinet

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Premier Craig Cannonier shuffled his cabinet yesterday in a cost-cutting measure that reduces the number of government ministers from 13 to 10.
Cannonier told a news conference the changes were “part of a process toward better governing and greater efficiency” and that the cuts would save the taxpayer around US$240 000.
The changes take immediate effect.
Demoted in the shuffle is Education Minister Nalton Brangman, who will now be junior Minister of Tourism in the Senate, while Grant Gibbons will take over Education and also keep the Economic Development portfolio.
Also out of the cabinet is Leah Scott, the former Minister Without Portfolio. She will become the new junior Minister of Education in the House of Assembly.
Sylvan Richards has been dropped as Environment Minister. He will be the new junior Minister of Home Affairs in the lower house and in another move, Trevor Moniz and Patricia Gordon-Pamplin have traded places, with Gordon-Pamplin now Minister for Public Works and Moniz being handed Health.
In addition, Moniz will also take on the Environment Ministry.
Almost a year since the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) took office, the Premier said the changes were not “a fly-by-night decision” but had been under consideration for many months with a view to producing a more efficient government.
“As Premier, it is my responsibility to lead by example and make some tough decisions from the top down,” Cannonier said.