Even as his new Cabinet took the Oath of Office at State House on Saturday evening, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali reminded the nation that Guyana’s future does not rest solely with ministers or parliamentarians, but with the entire slate of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) candidates and stakeholders at every level of government.
The President stressed that the PPP/C’s list of candidates for the September 1 elections comprises “a highly skilled and technically competent group of individuals” who will form the backbone of government service and national development.
“They will play critical roles at different levels, all equal in service and responsibility. The future is not only Cabinet and Parliament. The future is about all stakeholders, every arm of government, and every citizen contributing to the building of a strong, agile country,” Dr Ali said.
He described the slate as a reservoir of human assets—including youth, seasoned professionals, and technical experts—who will be tapped to support the delivery of the government’s ambitious agenda. “The service delivery of government will not rest only on Cabinet shoulders—it is the collective work of this wider team,” the President added.
Dr Ali underscored that while Cabinet appointments are crucial, equal emphasis will be placed on ensuring candidates outside of Parliament are integrated into technical and policy roles to accelerate national transformation.
“The journey ahead will be accelerated. This government is about service and responsibility, not ego or power. Our candidates, whether in Parliament or serving elsewhere, are all equal in this mission,” he said.
Saturday’s swearing-in followed the PPP/C’s re-election at the September 1 polls and marked the unveiling of a Cabinet designed, according to the President, for “speed, efficiency and results.” The new line-up combines fresh entrants, experienced hands returning to their former portfolios, and notable shifts in ministerial responsibilities.
New faces in Cabinet
Seven newcomers were introduced to the executive, reflecting generational renewal and technical expertise:
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Keoma Griffith – Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning
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Sarah Browne – Minister of Amerindian Affairs
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Vanessa Benn – Minister within the Ministry of Housing
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Madanlall Ramraj – Minister within the Ministry of Public Works
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Vickash Ramkissoon – Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture
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Zulfikar Ally – Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation
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Steven Jacobs – Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport
New ministries created
Three new portfolios were carved out to sharpen government’s focus on service delivery and efficiency:
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Public Utilities and Aviation – to be overseen by Minister Deodat Indar
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Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation – led by Zulfikar Ally
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Labour and Manpower Planning – assigned to Keoma Griffith
Shifts in key portfolios
Several senior ministers were reassigned:
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Priya Manickchand moves from Education to Local Government and Regional Development.
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Pauline Sukhai becomes Minister in the Ministry of Local Government.
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Oneidge Waldron takes over as Home Affairs Minister.
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Sonia Parag now heads the Education Ministry.
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Susan Rodrigues shifts to Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
Familiar hands return
Continuity remains central, with seasoned ministers holding their portfolios:
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Anil Nandlall – Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General
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Ashni Singh – Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance
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Hugh Todd – Foreign Affairs Minister
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Gail Teixeira – Parliamentary Affairs and Governance
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Zulfikar Mustapha – Agriculture Minister
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Dr Frank Anthony – Health Minister
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Juan Edghill – Public Works Minister
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Kwame McCoy – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
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Charles Ramson – Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport
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Vickram Bharrat – Natural Resources Minister
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Colin Croal – Housing Minister
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Vindhya Persaud – Human Services and Social Security Minister
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips had been sworn in earlier to continue in their respective posts.
Looking ahead
With a blend of youth, diversity, and experience, President Ali said the new Cabinet reflects an effort to balance continuity with renewal. He has cautioned that the next five years will be decisive for Guyana, with accountability and measurable results as the ultimate benchmarks for his administration.
“The expectations of the people are clear,” Ali said. “Together, we will work to ensure every Guyanese can live a life of dignity, safety, honour and prosperity.”
