Warmington appointed state minister

Controversial South West St Catherine Member of Parliament Everald Warmington has been sworn in as a state

minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

The announcement was made by Information Minister Ruel Reid during a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House in St Andrew yesterday morning.

However, when the question was initially put to Reid by the media, the information minister said he was aware that discussions were taking place about the matter, but Warmington had not yet been sworn in.

However, less than a minute later, Reid was advised that Warmington had been sworn in earlier at the OPM.

The information minister, who then incorrectly indicated that Warmington had been appointed minister without portfolio, said the public would be advised of his specific role in the OPM at a later date.

Responsible for works

In a release later yesterday, the Jamaica Information Service confirmed that Warmington had been appointed a state minister with responsibility for works.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said during the swearing-in ceremony that he was confident that Warmington would serve with distinction.

Warmington's appointment brings the number of state

ministers in the Holness

executive to five.

The OPM currently serves as home to the economic growth and job creation, works, water and housing, and defence portfolios, which are being handled by Holness.