By Sue-Ann Wayow

NEWLY-appointed cabinet ministers got their boots on and went to work on Monday, meeting with ministry staff and discussing the new way forward.

Several photos of the first day on the job were posted on social media and congratulations poured in to the new ministers.

The Ministry of National Security stated it welcomed its new Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge the new Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, on their inaugural visit to the ministry.

A smiling Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo posed for his photo by the Ministry of Finance’s sign.

The ministry also issued congratulations to the new minister.

In a media release on Monday, the Ministry of Finance stated that upon his arrival, Tancoo was greeted by the Permanent Secretary Suzette Taylor-Lee Chee and the ministry’s executive team of Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries.

Tancoo received verbal briefings from the executive team as well as several briefing documents on a myriad of subjects under the purview of the Ministry of Finance, the release stated.

Tancoo expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception and comprehensive briefing and indicated that he looked forward to an excellent working relationship with the Ministry’s staff and its stakeholders.

He also visited the various divisions and units within the Ministry of Finance Head Office Building, where he personally greeted members of staff, the release stated.

The ministry of works and transport which has been split welcomed its two new ministers, Minister of Works Jearlean John and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour.

In a Facebook post, the ministry stated, “With over 50 years of combined experience in strategic leadership, business and public service, the Honourable Ministers bring energy, expertise, and a deep commitment to building a better, more connected Trinidad and Tobago.  We are excited to support their passion for delivering sustainable, people-centred infrastructure and modern, efficient transportation systems.”

The Ministry of Public Utilities also stated it “warmly welcomes” its three cabinet appointees to the ministry:  Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath, Minister in the Ministry Clyde Elder and Parliamentary Secretary Shivanna Sam.

 

“We look forward to working with them as we continue to serve the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) issued similar congratulations via press release on Sunday.

WASA said it welcomed the appointments and looked forward to working with the new leadership to fulfill the mandate of delivering “reliable, efficient, and sustainable” water and wastewater services to citizens.

The Authority said it remained committed to supporting the ministry’s vision, adding that it would continue to work to ensure “equity, accountability, and progress” in the interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

The management and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries extended “a warm welcome” to line minister Ravi Ratiram and Minister in the Ministry Saddam Hosein.

“We look forward to their visionary leadership and collaboration as we continue to advance our mission of driving the agricultural sector forward and fostering sustainable growth and development,” the ministry stated on social media.

 Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West and newly-appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade Investment and Tourism Neil Gosine also  paid an official visit to the ministry on Monday.

He was welcomed by Permanent Secretary Randall Karim and spent the next three hours engaging with over 300 members of staff, taking time to meet, greet and listening to their concerns and ideas, Gosine told AZP News.

In the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, Minister Khadijah Ameen discussed flood prevention plans ahead of the rainy season.

Housing Minister Dr David Lee said requests for housing outnumbered actual housing.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar gave her second speech as Prime Minister shortly after her cabinet ministers and parliamentary secretaries took their oath of office.

She said there was no time to relax.

“We have now a Government in place in Trinidad and Tobago and the first order of business is boots on the ground, and get to work, we have a lot of work to do!”