But with surprise slight distraction
PDM Government ministers
by Warren Cassell
Following what some call a landslide victory, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) joined with their supporters an well-wishers in a motorcade throughout the island of Montserrat. More than 100 cars participated in this celebratory event which started from Salem through, St. Peter’s, Brades, Davy Hill, Lookout, Judy Piece and ending at the Little Bay Beach.
Amidst several supporters and well wishers all of PDM members (both elected and non-elected) spoke and addressed the gathering thanking them for their support and pledging to fulfill the promises they made. The new Premier rang a bell declaring the end of an election campaign which resulted in a 7-2 majority on polling Day – September 11. “Change is not coming, change has come,” he said.
Near political casualty
Dr. Ingrid Buffonge
On Tuesday, September 16, 2014 before the ministers were to swear in the Honourable Dr. Ingrid Buffonge took to the ZJB airwaves to express her disappointment at not being assigned a ministry. Appearing on ZJB’s Breakfast Show, the medical practitioner, who ran on the PDM winning ticket, said she was hoping to have been offered the Health and Education ministry.
Later, while dismissing reports that she has resigned from the PDM party Dr. Buffonge said she was apologizing to those voters who said they voted for her to get a ministry. She stated: “I feel as if I’ve let them [the people] down. I really did fight to get a ministry. I really did fight in particular to get Health & Education…,” she said. She also said that she felt “a bit cheated by Delmaude in particular,” while during the campaign she did give way to David Duberry who also addressed the Education matter seriously.
Cabinet sworn in
Hon. Delmaude Ryan
( l to r) Govnor Adrien Davis and Hon. Paul Lewis
Later at a brief ceremony at the Governor’s office in Brades, three ministers were sworn in to complete the PDM cabinet of Premier, the Honourable Donaldson Romeo. The three other ministers were sworn in by His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis. Deputy Premier Delmaude Ryan was sworn in as Minister of Education, Health and Social Services, the Honourable Paul Lewis as the Minister of Communications, works and Labour, and the Honourable Claude Hogan as the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment. The new PDM Cabinet is expected to function for the next five years.
The oaths of office were witness by family, friends, and all members of PDM with the exception of David Osborne and Dr. Ingrid Buffonge.
Hon. Claude Hogan
Meantime, following the swearing in Ceremony, the new PDM cabinet took to the airwaves to reassure Montserratians at home and in the Diaspora that they are united and are prepared to work to advance Montserrat’s development.
Using the campaign mantra of “putting people first”, Premier, the Honourable Donaldson Romeo spoke of the strategic thinking he used to appoint his cabinet.
Mr. Romeo says the time has come to make the transition from campaigning to governing, stating that everyone must accept that the business of the people comes first. The Premier took the opportunity to address the surprising development when Dr. Ingrid Buffonge appeared on the Breakfast Show to voice her displeasure at being left out of the Cabinet. Premier Romeo reported that efforts were made to ensure that Dr. Buffonge’s skills and passion were being utilized in the health sector. He said that several options were given to Dr. Buffonge including the freedom to focus specifically on key issues and initiatives within health care, the opportunity to serve as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and still be in a position to practice medicine. “Dr. Buffonge’s commitment has always been a rare passion for taking emergency health and overall healthcare services to high levels of efficiency…One thing is sure, Every member of my team will play a vital role in contributing meaningful to the development of Montserrat.”
He also warned the public not to play into the hands of those who want to see the government fail.
Six of the PDM team with the sworn Ministers, Premier and Governor Davis (Emile and David Duberry (right)
The Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Health and Social Services, the Honourable Delmaude Ryan joined the Premier in “affirming the marvellous opportunity and exciting challenges and the amazing jump start that the new government and newly formed Cabinet have embraced.” The Deputy Premier further assured that “We are ready to work”.
Minister of Agriculture, Lands Housing and the Environment, the Honourable Claude Hogan meantime, took the opportunity to say thanks and to call for corporate and individual support for the government from the public while the Honourable Paul Lewis, who has responsibilities for Communications, Works and Labour, was very reflective and humble in saying thanks for all the support received. Despite the challenges the Premier assured that the PDM team is “united”.
In the meantime, leading Montserratian Luminary Dr. George Irish has been giving feedback on the outcome of the recent general elections here on island.
He said he was impressed by the way in which the poll was conducted stating that the people have spoken in a definitive way. In congratulating Premier Romeo and his team on their victory at the polls, the Dean of Liberal Arts and Education at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, admonishes the incoming administration that tough times lie ahead.
He however posits that with a united effort success can be achieved. The Montserratian who has excelled in academia also thanked former Premier Reuben T. Meade for his exemplary work while at the helm. Dr. Irish spoke of Mr. Meade’s faithfulness and loyalty in his service to Montserrat
