Barbados Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance Dwight Sutherland has resigned from Cabinet with immediate effect, citing personal reasons.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley confirmed the move in a national statement on Wednesday, noting she had accepted Sutherland’s request earlier in the day. He will continue to serve as Member of Parliament for Saint George South.
“This has been a request driven by him for personal reasons,” Mottley said.
In response, Mottley advised President Dame Sandra Mason to appoint Christopher Gibbs, MP for Saint Michael West, as the new Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance. His appointment takes effect Thursday. Gibbs, who entered Parliament in 2022, will be taking up his first ministerial post.
“I thank both the Honourable Dwight Sutherland for his service to the government, while at the same time looking forward to working with The Honourable Christopher Gibbs in this new portfolio,” the Prime Minister added.
Sutherland’s departure drew sharp reaction from Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne, who argued that the resignation signaled deeper political problems for the Mottley administration.
Thorne linked the development to the government’s handling of the Housing Opportunity, Production and Empowerment (HOPE) project, which he previously criticized during his reply to the 2024 Budget. He claimed Sutherland had been made the “hapless messenger” for decisions that should have carried collective Cabinet responsibility.
“I speculated even then that he would be sacrificed for the scandalous HOPE project,” Thorne said, adding that Sutherland had become closely tied to some of the government’s most controversial measures. He also pointed to Sutherland’s role in bringing the parliamentary resolution that authorized the transfer of public land at Jemmott’s Lane to Afreximbank, describing it as another example of the minister being left to defend unpopular policies.
The Prime Minister did not comment on Thorne’s criticisms but reiterated her gratitude for Sutherland’s contributions while signaling confidence in Gibbs as he steps into his new role.
