BREAKING NEWS: Cabinet Reshuffle for Barbados – Estwick no longer in charge of Economic Affairs, Blackett away from Culture as Chris Sinckler given Finance & Economic Affairs

by AirBourne / September 30th, 2010

A stock photo was used for tonight's broadcast from the PM, yet when Fidel Castro was enduring stomach surgery he issued no File Images of himself {IMAGE COURTESY: B'DOS FREE PRESS}

Prime Minister David Thompson continues to avoid cameras for a national broadcast Thursday evening, his reasoning is that Bajans need to concentrate on the message and not the messenger as he delivered his verdict on his colleagues with a third Cabinet reshuffle in as many years (Four – If you include Freundel Stuart’s temporary addition of Adriel Brathwaite), more than any other PM in Barbados’ Independent history {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

One day after Dr David Estwick attacks the Opposition Leader, Thompson removes the “Pit Bull” from Economic Affairs, as Steve Blackett loses Culture to Stephen Lashley while Haynesley Benn is raised from Agriculture and set to guide Commerce & Trade while Estwick is left to be caretaker of Benn’s erstwhile portfolio, Sen Harry Husbands seems to be in Limbo as Parliamentary Scty in the PM’s Office and relieved of Immigration among other changes in this clip

The Barbadian leader initially sought to play on Barbadians’ sympathy, much in the same manner detractors on radio call-in programmes try to imply that any poll on Government at this juncture is insensitive, yet if this were Canada, UK or America – their leader would already demit Office and an appropriate replacement would be duly sworn in. However, this is not the PM’s view as he makes clear in the this soundbite {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

The Prime Minister quotes from the Bible and draws similarities to plight of St Paul in Corinthians and urges Barbadians to continue their prayers for recovery.

Mr Thompson also decided to quash rumours of any shift in balance of power by stating his perspective on any voting in near or far future {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

Thompson says General Elections are in no way due soon and almost implies anyone who asks if they will happen due to his illness is Unpatriotic

STATEMENT BY HON. MIA AMOR MOTTLEY Q.C., M.P. - LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION TO A REASSIGNMENT OF MINISTERIAL PORTFOLIOS BY P. M. DAVID THOMPSON

“I continue to empathize with Mr. Thompson as he battles against his illness. I understand that his health has forced him to shed some of his ministerial responsibilities, and that his focus must now be on his health and getting better.

It is unfortunate that the opportunity was lost to bring new energy and talent into the Cabinet. It was particularly noticeable during Mr. Thompson’s absence from office that his Ministers were not able to step up to the plate and were not equal to the task of dealing with the many issues facing the country.

We therefore do not expect that changing the same people to different portfolios will have different results this time around either.”