With just days before the reading of the 2024 Budget, Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton has reshuffled his shadow Cabinet sparking dissent from Jermaine Figueira of the PNCR.
Also moved was David Patterson of the AFC who served as the shadow for the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Figueira, who prior to the announcement served as shadow Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, will be replaced by Nima Flue-Bess, while Patterson will now serve as shadow Minister of Public Works. His previous position entailed dealing with the Oil and Gas sector under the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Following the surprise announcement, Figueira, during a telephone conversation with Stabroek News (SN), expressed his astonishment at the decision, stating that he was never informed about it prior. The MP noted that this puts him in a difficult position since he has been preparing to present at the upcoming budget debate as he has been doing for the past four debates.
Figueira said that he is not offended by his replacement since Flue-Bess is passionate and capable of doing the job. Rather, it was the level of disrespect with which he feels he was dealt by the Leader of the Opposition.
“At least you could’ve given me a heads up,” he lamented while adding that a one-on-one conversation with Norton prior to the announcement about his intentions would have been good.
In a lengthy letter addressed to the Central Executive Committee of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Figueira highlighted his extensive work and accomplishments in representing and assisting his constituents in Region Ten, including social and economic initiatives. The letter questioned whether his removal came about as a result of his outspokenness and independent thinking or his disagreement with the Opposition Leader’s policy of not shaking President Irfaan Ali’s hand. Figueira further emphasized his value to the party and requested a review and reversal of the decision made.
When questioned during a press conference yesterday on his reason for the reshuffle, Norton said that since becoming Opposition Leader, there has been a comprehensive review of the portfolios from the last budget. Discussions, he said, were held with MPs to determine the areas that needed attention and adjustments were made.
Further, he emphasized the importance of addressing issues beyond just oil and gas in the natural resources portfolio, such as mining and forestry. The focus should not solely be on oil and gas, he said, but should also encompass other areas.
Norton added that various MPs have been moved to different portfolios based on their knowledge and experience, and explained the reasoning behind each move, with an emphasis on utilizing individuals who have relevant expertise. In Figueira’s case, Norton said that the decision to assign a specific MP to the Culture, Youth and Sport portfolio was made due to the need for someone who is actively involved in the field, and Flue-Bess fit the profile. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of finding the right fit for each portfolio and addressed misperceptions about the roles of shadow ministers.
With reference to the alleged handshake policy being the possible reason for Figueira’s removal, Norton said that there was never a handshaking policy. The Opposition Leader explained that he personally chose not to shake the President’s hand, but he never instructed others to do the same. He further pointed out that he has observed many MPs shaking the President’s hand without any negative consequences, and reemphasized that the decision to reshuffle the positions within the opposition party is aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness as Members of Parliament.
During the press conference, Norton was also questioned on whether or not the reshuffled MPs were informed about the decision. He said that there is no truth to claims that MPs are not being engaged, as a document was produced outlining the responsibilities of each MP, and examples were given, such as the reallocation of shadow minister positions to individuals with appropriate knowledge and expertise.
However, during the telephone conversation Figueira insisted that he was never made aware about the decision before the announcement. He further noted that none of the MPs, as far as he knew, were informed prior.
Other MPs who were mentioned by Norton as being in the reshuffle include Geeta Chandan-Edmond of the PNCR who will be replaced as the shadow Home Affairs Minister, by Khemraj Ramjattan of the AFC while she moves to Governance and Parliamentary Affairs; Coretta McDonald who will now serve as shadow Minister of Education while Natasha Singh-Lewis will be moved from there to the Social Services Ministry.
Norton said during the press conference that those who served in previous posts will still have the opportunity to speak on those areas since they have the knowledge.
