DESTINY JOHNSON
Journal Staff Writer

Just three weeks following the proroguing of parliament, Prime Minister Philip Davis announced
major changes in the Davis administration.
During his national address on Sunday evening, he announced new portfolios as Cabinet was
reshuffled.
He said the goal in shifting Cabinet ministers is to strengthen policy execution with fresh
perspectives.
He began with promoting Jomo Campbell to Minister of Agriculture of Marine Resources.
“He has contributed wise counsel on a range of complex, legal and policy issues,” the prime
minister said.
“He has shown he can do the hardest and most important thing in government, which is take a
plan on paper and make it real. His ability to drive change will be essential in his new role as
substantive Minister for Agriculture and Marine Resources. There, he will build on a wide array
of initiatives put in place by Minister Clay Sweeting, who achieved much in these two short
years.
“From expanding education and training, to creating the Golden Yolk Program, reopening
packing houses, and investing in vertical farming, cultivation centers, and climate smart
technology; he has moved the industry forward for the country.
“As the new Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, this is a significant number of
infrastructural projects and upgrades that are underway, pulling works and family and the first
together makes sense in our government because of the scope of our ambitions for our Family
Islands.”
Clay Sweeting will now be Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs.
Minister Alfred Sears is the new Minister of Immigration and National Insurance.
“Minister Alfred Sears oversaw the initiation of those infrastructure improvements, as well as the
very significant repairs which were required to make schools across the country ready for in-
person classes after two years of closure,” Mr. Davis said.
“He has served our nation in previous administrations as the Attorney General and as a Minister
of Education, Science and Technology. Now, we’re asking him to bring his formidable
experience to serve as Minister of Immigration and National Insurance.”

Minister Keith Bell is now Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal.
“During his tenure as Minister of Labour, the minimum wage was increased and Labour on the
Blocks job fairs across the country resulted in more than 3,000 job placements for Bahamians,”
Mr. Davis said.
“I know he will bring his trademark energy and determination to his new role as Minister of
Housing and Urban Renewal.”
Jobeth Coleby-Davis will now be Minister of Energy and Transport, while Minister Pia Glover-
Rolle will be the Minister of Labour and Public Service.
“Minister Coleby-Davis is to serve as Minister of Energy and Transport to do the critical work of
bringing together and coordinating experts and teams from throughout our government to tackle
our energy transition,” the prime minister said.
“Minister Pia Glover-Rolle has been another bright star in this new generation.
“She has overseen salary increases across the public service, including increases for uniformed
branches, teachers and nurses and an increase in public service pensions and the return of annual
increments to alleviate inflationary pressures. She has conducted a public service wide skills
audit to inform human resource needs and policies.
“Her work has been important to improving labour relations, setting the stage for successful
negotiations of 22 labour agreements in 23 months. I’m confident she will serve with distinction
as a new Minister of Labour and Public Service.”
Zane Lightbourne will become Minister of State for the Environment and Basil McIntosh will
now be the Minister of State for Aviation.
“As we move forward with our agenda to adapt and make ourselves more resilient, we need to
strengthen the work of the Ministry of the Environment to help drive this push for more
sustainable development,” the prime minister explained.
“As I mentioned earlier, we have a strong focus on accelerating the expansion and development
of airports throughout our Family Islands. Airports do more than facilitate travel. They are a
force multiplier in supporting the economic growth of those communities.
“Because of the scale of resource and requirements needed to make this a reality, Basil McIntosh
will take on the role of Minister of State in the Ministry of Aviation.
“His long years of experience of major engineering projects around The Bahamas will greatly
strengthen our efforts.”
All other ministers will remain in their substantive posts.

Prime Minister Davis said a full list of responsibilities will be published at a later date.