Opposition backs Williams as logical choice for Finance Minister

 

Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson says newly appointed Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams, was the logical choice to assume the role.

 

Mr. Robinson says the new Finance Minister has to hit the ground running due to the myriad of challenges facing the country.

 

"She has previous experience working in that ministry, plus her professional background would equip her to be the best suitable person on that side. She has a full entry of issues to deal with. On the public services side, there are still outstanding issues with the Jamaica Civil Service Association in terms of the implementation of the public sector compensation review. There are also issues with workers at PICA and the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association," he noted. 

 

Arguing that economic growth has been elusive under the current adminstration, the opposition spokesman said the government must also pivot from its emphasis on reducing debt and put in place a platform from which the country can grow. 

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday announced Mrs. Williams as the new Finance Minister, to replace Dr. Nigel Clarke.

 

She is the first woman to serve in the position.

 

In making the announcement at Wednesday morning's post-Cabinet media briefing, Prime Minister Holness said Mrs. Williams will have a team of financial experts to assist her in the role.

 

This is her third stint in the ministry after being appointed as State Minister on March 7, 2016.

 

In 2018 she served as Minister without Portfolio in the Finance Ministry.

 

Her appointment comes after Dr. Nigel Clarke resigned from government to assume the post of Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund.