PM on Cabinet reshuffle: Lift-off time for PP Government

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Guardian - Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday promoted Gary Griffith, her former national security adviser, to the post of National Security Minister, “fired” two ministers and reshuffled and split the portfolios of several United National Congress (UNC) frontliners in her third Cabinet reshuffle. Griffith, who replaced Emmanuel George, former state board chairman Gerald Hadeed and one-time senator Raziah Ahmed will be brought into the Parliament as People’s Partnership (PP) senators. Persad-Bissessar, in announcing the three additions and other changes before colleagues at her St Clair, Port-of-Spain, office yesterday, said it was a move towards a reinvigorated Government. “This ushers in a new era of my Government,” the PM said, adding she wanted to fast-track delivery and development. “I can assure you that no one will escape scrutiny of his or her performance and satisfaction of the public interest. This is lift-off time—launch of the most aggressive development and progressive period of governance in T&T’s history.” The PM also said of the changes: “Every single member listed here has been advised of the accelerated progress expected in each area for which they are responsible.