The Tribune

By DANA SMITH dsmith@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas' new Cabinet Ministers will all have "critical leadership roles to play" in dealing with rising crime, the declining economy and restructuring of the country's education system, according to Prime Minister Perry Christie. Naming these the "three most pressing issues" affecting the country, Mr Christie said the appointment of these new Ministers is a "reflection of the urgency that the new government attaches to these matters." He said: "I am acutely conscious that some of my appointments may give rise to questions, but I am even more acutely conscious that the enormous crisis that engulfs us at this very hour in the crime front and in all areas of the economy - especially tourism, obliges me to put the urgent needs of the nation above any concern or popularity." Mr Christie told the crowd it is important for him to note as Prime Minister that it is "no longer about winning votes," but instead about "stopping the slaughter" on the nation's streets. "When you see us reach a point that five murders are committed within 48 hours, we have to note that we are in a crisis that calls for immediate, resolute and sustained action," he said. "The decline in the economy, especially in our primary industry - tourism, also calls for tried and tested acts to be placed on the wheel as we seek to right this ship as a matter of great urgency." Mr Christie continued: "My Ministry appointments therefore reflect a very high premium that I have placed on prior experience and a proper track record in leading the war against crime and leading the campaign to revive our declining tourism industry. I need Ministers who can hit the ground running." However, at the same time, he said, he has taken "great pains" to ensure that new generation ministers are placed in relevant ministries - "especially in the war against crime," so that "appropriate adjustments" can be made, if needed. Ending his remarks, Mr Christie recalled a promise he made during his campaign to launch "the most sustained assault on crime" the country has ever seen. "With my announcements today, I am taking the first steps in fulfilling that promise," he said. "I therefore ask that we all get to work to make our nation safe, to make it secure, and to make it prosperous again." Dr Bernard Nottage is the nation's new Minister of National Security and Government Leader in the House of Assembly; Obediah Wilchcombe is Minister of Tourism; Jerome Fitzgerald is the Minister of Education, Science and Technology; Ryan Pinder is the Minister of Financial Services; and Allyson Maynard-Gibson is Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. Michael Halkitis was named Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance; Damian Gomez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Legal Affairs; and Keith Bell is Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security. In addition to yesterday's appointees, Mr Christie said the remainder of The Bahamas' new Cabinet will be announced today.