Local News

MP Gilbert responds to constituents’ appeal to remain in government

St. George’s, October 3, 2011 – Member of Parliament for St. Patrick West, Joseph Gilbert, has assured his constituents that he will continue in his role as a minister of government.

Mr. Gilbert made the announcement amidst thunderous applause at a constituency meeting on Sunday.

Scores of supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) from St. Patrick braved inclement weather to attend the emergency meeting. It was called by MP Gilbert following last Friday’s announcement by Prime Minister Tillman Thomas that he had reshuffled his cabinet.

Among the Prime Minister’s changes was the reassigning of Mr. Gilbert from the Ministry of Works to making him the new Minister of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development.

Senator Denneth Modeste will be the new Minister of Works, Physical Development and Public Utilities. The changes become effective Friday, October 7.

At Sunday’s meeting, constituents expressed their general disappointment with the “timing and apparent motive’’ of the reshuffle. However, they admonished MP Gilbert to accept the new portfolio and continue to serve his country as a government minister.

Noting that general elections are less than 24 months away, some at the meeting raised serious concern at what they described as the “negative impact’’ the reshuffle could have on the public’s perception of strife within government, as well as the sense of waning cohesiveness between the NDC government and the party.

The St. Patrick West constituents reiterated their unswerving support for their MP. They also praised Mr. Gilbert for his ministerial achievements in a tough economic climate, and commended him for his stewardship of the Ministry of Works, Physical Development and Public Utilities.

The highlight of the meeting, however, was Mr. Gilbert’s response to admonishments from the floor, calling on him to stay in government.

There was wild applause when he pledged he would not resign. He also was loudly cheered when he broke news that he would be turning the sod on Tuesday, October 4, for the recommencement of work on the St. George’s Market Redevelopment Project.

Among the decisions taken Sunday was to convene a massive town hall-style meeting on Thursday, October 13.

At the town hall, Mr. Gilbert is expected to address issues specific to the further development of the Parish of St. Patrick.

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