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Archibald C. Christian In! As second Junior Minister
Virgin Islands News Online had first and accurately reported on November 6, 2015 that the NDP government of Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith had named Eighth District Representative Hon Marlon A. Penn as one of two Junior Ministers but were undecided on the second as several names were put forward, including second term Representative Hon Christian, 5th District Representative and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Delores Christopher, and newcomer and Second District Representative Hon Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull.
However, while there was unanimous agreement within the ruling party for Hon Penn (R8) to serve as a Junior Minister, a debate was ongoing as to the final Junior Minister.
It was previously reported by this news site that those supporting Hon Christopher had claimed that she is the most seasoned back bencher having been in office from 2003-2007 and then again in 2011 to current and that there needed to be some representation of women at higher levels in the male dominated NDP Government.
Others who were supporting newcomer Hon Turnbull had argued that he is the future of the party, while others in the party who had opposed to his appointment as the second Junior Minister said “he just come.”
This news site had reported also that Hon Christian was receiving the support of the NDP establishment, who appeared to prefer the At-Large system over the district system and seems to govern by giving preference to its At-Large Members, even though, according to the Virgin Islands Constitution both District Representatives and Territorial Members are equal Members of the HoA.
According to the same NDP sources, Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, who had the final decision on the appointment of the Junior Ministers, is expected to make the announcement of the two names this week.
Background to appointment of a Junior Minister
Following the request from the Government of the Virgin Islands to amend the Constitution to allow for the creation of two Junior Minister posts, the Governor conveyed a formal request to the appropriate authorities in the United Kingdom.
“The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce that the Virgin Islands Constitution (Amendment) Order, 2015 (the ‘Order’) has been approved by the Privy Council. It has been laid before the United Kingdom Parliament and will come into force on 5 November, 2015,” stated a press release from the Governor’s Office on October 29, 2015.
It further stated that consequently, from November 5, 2015 the Governor would be able to appoint, on the advice of the Premier, two Junior Ministers from among the elected members of the House of Assembly.
The new Minsters will not be members of Cabinet, but will assist in the performance of Ministerial functions relating to economic development. The exact portfolios will be agreed on the recommendation of the Premier.
See links to related stories:
http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/hon-marlon-a-penn-to-be-named-a-junior-minister
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27 Responses to “Archibald C. Christian In! As second Junior Minister”
If it were me, as a grown man, I wouldn't want to be a Junior anything it sound juvenile. Marlon has managed to keep his name clean up until now, let's see what happens now.
u have d right 2 leaders u need and hehe will back u if u need help
My poor Doc, just aint around when nothing is sharing. It looks
like we in trouble from the get go.