Prime Minister Perry Christie is continuing to keep close to his chest his decision about whether he will make changes to his Cabinet. However, he did reveal over the weekend that some "adjustments" could be forthcoming in the not too distant future.
οΎ "I have spoken for a long time about there coming a time when I will have to make adjustments," Mr. Christie said Saturday.
"I don't know if it constitutes a shuffle. Most certainly we are about to promulgate new policy initiatives for the next period in The Bahamas. Some of them are of major importance to the economy and to the security and safety of Bahamians, and therefore as prime minister I'm reviewing how best to virtually guarantee the Bahamian people that we have put [in place] everything to ensure that the policies, programmes and initiatives that we will take in the coming year are properly executed."
Following the prorogation of parliament two weeks ago, the government is now finalising preparations for newly-appointed Governor General Arthur Dion Hanna to deliver the speech from the throne on Wednesday, an act which will formally introduce the new legislative agenda of Prime Minister Christie and his Cabinet for the next session of parliament.
Workmen worked all weekend – even through the rain – building a makeshift throne in Rawson Square from which Mr. Hanna will read the speech.
Rumors of a pending Cabinet shuffle have been widespread over the last several weeks, particularly since many people expected the prime minister to appoint former CDR leader Dr. Bernard Nottage as one of his ministers.
With just over a year left in this government's first term in office, some political observers had even questioned whether it would make much sense for Mr. Christie to shuffle the Cabinet.
Two years ago, Prime Minister Christie told The Bahama Journal that he was about to make certain adjustments to his team of ministers, but there have not been any portfolio changes since this government came to office in 2002.
Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Raynard Rigby said recently that that could be because the prime minister is satisfied that his Cabinet has been performing effectively and efficiently, and he said the government had been successful in delivering on most of the promises it made while on the campaign trail.
By: Darrin Culmer , The Bahama Journal
