ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Jul 16, CMC – Prime Minister Gaston Browne Tuesday defended the decision to appoint Anthony Smith as his new Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, less than 24 hours after he had resigned from the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) claiming it was due to “a misalignment of values that cannot be reconciled”.
Browne, speaking at the ceremony where Smith was sworn in by Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, said that Smith, who had indicated he would remain an independent legislator in the House of Assembly, would be taking over an important ministry from E.P. Chet Green, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“It is indicative of the confidence that we have in Anthony Smith,” Browne told the ceremony, adding he has indicated that he is totally committed to making a contribution to the advancement of his constituents and the people of Antigua and Barbuda in general.
(Details in Politics section)
CMC/2024