New Cabinet features young faces and key reshuffles

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Saturday unveiled a revamped Cabinet at State House, signalling a push for faster delivery and tighter accountability as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) begins a new term in office.

The swearing-in ceremony, held just days after the PPP/C’s 1 September election victory, introduced several first-time ministers in what Ali described as a government built for “speed, efficiency and results.”

Among the newcomers are Keoma Griffith, who takes charge of the newly renamed Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Sarah Browne as Minister of Amerindian Affairs, and Zulfikar Ally to head the new Public Service and Implementation portfolio. Former West Indies cricketer Steven Jacobs was also sworn in as a junior minister in Culture, Youth and Sport.

The Cabinet shake-up also saw major reshuffles. Priya Manickchand, long associated with the Ministry of Education, now moves to Local Government, while Sonia Parag takes over Education. Oneidge Waldron replaces Robeson Benn at Home Affairs, and Susan Rodrigues shifts to Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

Despite the changes, several senior figures remain in their previous posts, including Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, Housing Minister Collin Croal, and Health Minister Frank Anthony.

The appointments come on the heels of Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips being sworn in earlier this week.

Ali told ministers the next five years will be “the most decisive for Guyana,” warning that the government’s credibility will be judged by performance and delivery, not promises.