BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC—Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced a Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, hours after her Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Minister, Marsha Caddle, resigned, complaining that she had reached a point where “principles” no longer aligned.
In a statement, Mottley, the country’s first female head of Government since leading the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a convincing victory in 2018, said changes would be made in several key ministerial portfolios to strengthen the Government’s focus on national priorities.
She said that, consequently, upon Corey Layne’s request to be relieved of his duties for personal reasons, the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs will now take responsibility for Crime Prevention, effective tomorrow, February 26.
Layne served as Minister of State in the Attorney General’s Office, responsible for Crime Prevention.
Mottley also announced that Kay McConney would become the Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, while Chad Blackman will succeed McConney as Minister of Education, Technological, and Vocational Training.
Sandra’s husband will become the Minister of training and tertiary education.
Mottley said that, given Caddle’s request to be relieved of her duties, Jonathan Reid, formerly Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, has been appointed Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology.
She said Dr Crystal Haynes has agreed to step down as a Senator to facilitate Jonathan Reid’s appointment to that portfolio.
In her statement, Prime Minister Mottley expressed confidence in the new appointees and underscored the importance of these ministries in Barbados’ development agenda.
“The Prime Minister, on her behalf and behalf of the entire Government of Barbados, thanks Corey Lane, Marsha Caddle, and Dr Crystal Haynes for their service and contributions, and look forward to her continued support in national development,” the statement added.
Earlier, Caddle said she would remain a member of the ruling BLP and as the parliamentary representative for the St Michael South Central constituency.
In a statement, Caddle said a minister has a “duty to resign” when principles do not “align” so that the Government’s will and work can be carried out.
“I have reached such a point. I am proud of the work I have led in the Ministry over these 14 months, and of which you will hopefully learn during these ongoing Estimates, including the investments in cybersecurity that have been needed and giving GovTech the resources to begin to build a real tech ecosystem for digital services and transformation. I’ve left a good wicket for this sector to be thriving.
Caddle, an economist, said that one thing is sure, and the people of Barbados so overwhelmingly declared twice at the polls that the ruling BLP “is the clear choice to help guide this country through the challenges and opportunities that confront us domestically and globally.
“I remain committed to the Barbados Labour Party, to supporting my colleagues in their important work, and to serving the people of St Michael South Central and Barbados in every way I can.”
Caddle served as economic affairs and investment minister during the BLP’s first term in 2018. Following her success in the January 2022 general election, she declined the offer of a Cabinet position, citing other professional interests.
Her January 2024 appointment as Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology represents the second portfolio she has held over the two terms of the BLP administration.
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