Minor Cabinet reshuffle in Grenada
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell on Wednesday announced a minor re-shuffle of his Cabinet reflecting the ongoing efforts by his administration to deal with the “outstanding issues” at the T. A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC).
A government statement said that Mitchell had a week ago promised quick action to address the troubling issues discussed at a meeting with representatives from the college and its council, the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) and the TAMCC Lecturers Association.
The meeting was attended by Education Minister Emmalin Pierre and Pamela Moses, Minister in the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Tertiary Education, Skills Development, and Education Outreach.
Mitchell said that Pierre will now be now be responsible for all areas of education, including those previously assigned to Moses, who has now been made Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, with responsibility for Special Projects, Needy Assistance and ICT.
“The change is directly linked to the need for clear and decisive action to address the lingering issues at TAMCC. Given the enormity of the actions necessary, it is unfair to have a Minister, with a relatively short track record of engagement with the college, take the lead in addressing the outstanding matters,” Mitchell said.
“I therefore decided that Minister Pierre, as the substantive Minister for Education, will play a more hands-on role in addressing the issues. At the same time, the reassignment of Minister Moses provides a tremendous opportunity for growth, given the significant areas of responsibility now assigned to her,” he added.
The statement said that in her new capacity, Moses will have responsibility for a budget of close to EC$15 million as well as multi-million dollar ICT projects that will promote the country’s digital government strategy among other things.
In addition to the change in ministerial portfolios, Prime Minster Mitchell also confirmed the appointment of an Interim Chairman for the College Council which governs the affairs of TAMCC.
He said Dr. Spencer Thomas would replace Augustine Vesprey and will serve as Interim Chairman while further efforts are made to address the troubling issues at TAMCC that include ineffective leadership, the lack of proper management structures, inadequate accountability, financial planning and budgeting, lack of effective communication, irregularities in the hiring process and chronic absenteeism at the senior management level.
“It is imperative that urgent action be taken to resolve these issues. We cannot continue to jeopardise the future of our children, their education and the overall development of the country,” Mitchell said.
“Unfortunately, the concerns have festered for far too long and decisive action is required now to safeguard the future of this tertiary institution, which should be highly regarded as a critical pillar for the enhancement of the country’s human resources. Going forward, we expect all stakeholders,” he added. (CMC)