Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on Monday unveiled his 11-member Cabinet as opposition politicians continued to protest the results of the December 9 general elections.
The main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) which has refused to accept the results of the polls staged a protest outside the office of the prime minister as the ceremony was taking place. The party has said it will file election petitions in the High Court on Tuesday.
The Electoral Office said that the Unity Labour Party (ULP) had won eight of the 15 seats contested in the elections, with the remainder going to the NDP that has vowed not to attend parliament until the results are nullified.
The new Cabinet showed a mixture of experience and newcomers, including women, with two members of his family being given ministerial appointments.
Prime Minister Gonsalves retains ministerial responsibilities for Finance, the Public Service, National Security, Grenadine Affairs, and Legal Affairs, while his son, Camillo, who was elected to office for the first time has been given the responsibility for Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Industry, Trade, Information and Labour. The younger Gonsalves had served as foreign affairs minister in the previous administration.
The Prime Minister’s cousin and ULP general secretary, Julian Francis, has been appointed a senator for a fourth consecutive term, and holds ministerial responsibilities for Transport and Works, Urban Development and Local Government.
