casmith

casmith

Meet Davis’ Cabinet Members

Eight members of the Cabinet were sworn in on Monday afternoon to serve as ministers in the Davis-led administration.

Prime Minister Philip Davis said they will “deliver the party’s promise of a new day.”

  1. Fred Mitchell–Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is an outspoken member of the PLP and was party chairman. He served in the Perry Christie administration in the same position in 2012. When the PLP lost in 2017, he lost his seat but was appointed PLP senator.
  2. Glennys Hanna-Martin–Minister of Education and Vocational Training. She has been a longtime member of the PLP, having served in the Christie administration in 2012 as Minister of Transport and Aviation. The party lost in 2017, but she retained her seat and was one of four PLPs who returned to the Parliament as the opposition.
  3. Michael Darville–Minister of Health. He was the MP for Pineridge and Minister of Grand Bahama in 2012 in the Christie administration. When his party lost, he became a PLP senator.
  4. Michael Halkitis–Minister of Economic Affairs and Leader of Government Business in the Senate. He lost to the FNM in the 2021 election. He served in the Christie administration as the Minister of State for Finance in 2012.
  5. Clay Sweeting–Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs. He ran against FNM MP Ricky Martin in 2017 and lost. The fisherman was then appointed a PLP senator in the Upper Chamber.
  6. Alfred Sears–Minister of Works and Utilities. He was the Member of Parliament for Fort Charlotte from 2000 to 2012 and served in the Christie administration. He lost his seat to the FNM in 2017. He once served as Minister of Education and as Attorney General in the Christie administration.
  7. Wayne Munroe–Minister of National Security. He is a prominent lawyer. He ran in 2017 for the PLP but lost to the FNM. He was also a former DNA member.
  8. Jomo Campbell–Minister of State for Legal Affairs. He is new to politics and is believed to be a lawyer in Wayne Munroe’s office.

Davis said his Cabinet “will move with urgency, that this moment requires.”

Governor-General C.A Smith asked that the country “set aside differences until next five years.” He added, “Don’t worry about tomorrow. Let’s unite and together make a better Bahamas.”

Governor General Contracts Breakthrough Case of COVID-19

Governor-General C.A Smith has contracted a breakthrough case of the coronavirus after being vaccinated.

A press release from Government House said Smith was tested on Friday after coming in contact with someone who was COVID-19 positive.

His results came back on Sunday confirming a positive result.

Smith is not experiencing any symptoms and is quarantined.

It was not revealed where Smith contracted the virus.

GG Extends Condolences to Buckingham Palace in Prince Philip’s Passing

Governor-General C.A Smith expressed his condolences on the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh who died early Friday morning at the age of 99-years-old.

“I have conveyed the condolences of the government and people of The Bahamas to Buckingham Palace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty and the Royal Family at this time.”

Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip Receive the Covid-19 Vaccine - The New York  Times
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in November, when they celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.Credit…Chris Jackson/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Why it matters

Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth, has recently undergone a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition and was discharged last month from the King Edward VII Hospital where he was admitted in February.

The big picture

In his older age, Prince Philip suffered a number of health complications.

His recent bout came amid a royal turmoil by a tell-all interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in an Oprah Winfrey dialogue.

The royal couple disclosed the difficulties of royal life while suggesting racism in the traditional royal family.

Driving the news

Prince Philip will not receive a state funeral but will lie at Windsor Castle until the funeral at St George’s Chapel.

The public has been asked not to attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A funeral date has not yet been released.