PNP reveals 18-member shadow Cabinet

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

Dr Peter Phillips, the man who eased into the shadows after being twice defeated by Portia Simpson Miller in presidential battles in 2006 and 2008, is back in the People's National Party (PNP) team of spokespersons.

Opposition Leader Simpson Miller formally ushered her old rival back into the fold, signalling that he is likely to play a big role in any future Government she leads, even as she broke her promise to chisel down the size of her shadow Cabinet.

After failing to make good on a promise to reshuffle a team of predominantly underperforming spokespersons for the better part of a year, Simpson Miller finally unveiled an 18-member counsel of spokespersons, the same size as the Bruce Golding Cabinet she had criticised.

While not many, there have been some significant changes in the shadow Cabinet make-up.

Phillips, who has apparently regained stature in the PNP following his instrumental role in the Manatt-Dudus saga, assumes responsibility for finance, planning and the public service.

Former Finance Minister, Dr Omar Davies, the longest-serving government official in that high-profile capacity between 1993 and 2007 who is now under pressure for his role in FINSAC, has been sent to shadow the transport and works portfolio.

Davies was quite vocal on what is described as the Government's biggest trump card in the lead-up to the next general election - the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) out of the transport and works ministry.

Another new selection (education) is Central Kingston MP, Ronald Thwaites, whose parliamentary workload is reflected by the bulk of private member's motions and questions he has on the order paper of the House of Representatives at any given sitting.

Other newbies

Two other notable additions are Central St Mary MP, Dr Morais Guy, who has been assigned to housing, and Noel Arscott, who will shadow the mining portfolio.

A.J. Nicholson, long known for his forays in legal matters, now takes over in foreign affairs and foreign trade, while Mark Golding gets justice and Anthony Hylton speaks on industry, investment and commerce.

Simpson Miller gnawed at Golding three years ago when, as the new prime minister, he presented an 18-member Cabinet.

She had promised that her new-look team of spokespersons, which she had planned to announce in the aftermath of last year's annual conference, would, in terms of size and make-up, telegraph to the world how her Cabinet would look.

But if Simpson Miller's promised dream team is anything to go by, there is no change in the size from that of the current executive.

Simpson Miller's biting criticism of Cabinet size was absent, as were former members Basil Waite and Ian Hayles, who are bedevilled with troubles of their own.

Waite is wrestling with constituency and other challenges, while Hayles continues to face legal obstacles related to his dual-citizenship court battle.

In another far-reaching move, Michael Peart, the member of parliament for South Manchester, has been appointed leader of opposition business in the House of Representatives.

Peart replaces Derrick Kellier, who has faced criticism over his role in the position.

Fitz Jackson, the member of parliament for St Catherine Southern, has been appointed deputy leader of opposition business.

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com

Shadow Cabinet

Leader of the Opposition

• Portia Simpson Miller - Development, Information, Gender Affairs and Sports, among other areas
• Dr Peter Phillips - Finance, Planning and the Public Service
• Dr Omar Davies - Transport and Works
• Peter Bunting - National Security
• A.J. Nicholson - Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
• Robert Pickersgill - Lands, Water, Environment and Climate Change
• Anthony Hylton - Industry, Investment and Commerce
• Dr Morais Guy - Housing
• Dr Fenton Ferguson - Health
• Roger Clarke - Agriculture and Fisheries
• Dr Wykeham McNeill - Tourism and Entertainment
• Ronald Thwaites - Education
• Lisa Hanna - Youth and Culture
• Mark Golding - Justice
• Phillip Paulwell - Energy, Science and Technology
• Derrick Kellier - Labour and Social Security
• Colin Fagan - Local Government and Community Development
• Noel Arscott - Mining