This afternoon, during a Swearing-in Ceremony at Government House, Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, announced four Junior Ministers and their portfolios. They are:
Ms. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP – Junior Minister of Disability Affairs;
Senator Crystal Caesar, JP – Junior Minister for Home Affairs, Economic Development and Tourism;
Senator Vance Campbell, JP – Junior Minister of Finance, Public Works, and Government Reform; and
Senator Jason Hayward, JP – Junior Minister of Education and Workforce Development, Social Development and Sports, and National Security.
During his remarks, the Premier stated, “I am pleased to introduce and announce the Junior Ministers who will speak on behalf of their respective ministries in the Senate, with the exception of MP Tinee Furbert, who will sit in the Lower House.
“MP Furbert’s mission will be to focus on people with disabilities. We have an opportunity to include people who are differently abled in this Government’s priorities. We must understand their needs and address them in a manner that will support this population’s development. We recognise that people with disabilities have an important contribution to make to all sectors of our society and we must be inclusive.
“In addition to MP Furbert, we have Senator Crystal Caesar who will speak on Home Affairs, Economic Development and Tourism; Senator Vance Campbell is going to be my Junior Minister in addition to speaking to Public Works and Government Reform.
“Finally Senator Jason Hayward is the Junior Minister for Education and Workforce Development, Social Development and Sports, and National Security. All three of those ministries, as you would have heard during a press conference earlier, are linked.
“All Junior Ministers are eager and bring energy, professionalism and a unique perspective to the table as they assist their Ministers. I am extremely pleased to welcome them and I know they will make outstanding representations in the Senate and the House as we move quickly to address this Government’s legislative agenda.
“I thank each of the Junior Ministers for stepping forward to serve our country. They are now in a position to make a real difference to the development and growth of Bermuda, for all Bermudians.
“Thank you and congratulations.”