Advertisement

"A demotion? Absolutely not!" says Shaw of new Cabinet post

00:00
00:00
00:00
Audley Shaw
 
As the reshuffled Cabinet Ministers and State Ministers start settling in their new portfolios, Audley Shaw has responded to suggestions that his transfer from the Finance and Public Service Ministry to the Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry is a demotion.
 
There has been much debate about Mr. Shaw's transfer since Prime Minister Andrew Andrew Holness announced changes to his two year old Cabinet on Monday.
 
But speaking with RJR News Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Shaw said he considers the transfer an prime opportunity to bolster the growth agenda.
 
"Having stabilised the economy, having gotten the numbers right - the dollar at this stage is revaluing again - we have stability, we have record employment, unemployment has dropped by over two per cent in the past two years, the macroeconomic fundamentals are right. What is now needed is for us to move to the growth agenda," he declared.  
 
Mr. Shaw said he will be focusing on wealth creation for small farmers and investors.
                                         
"My ministry has now been bolstered by the fact that in addition to what was there, the Prime Minister has added JAMPRO, which is investment promotion, EXIM Bank, which is financing of investments, National Irrigation Commission and the Agro-Industrial Corporation, which is the Agroparks... We have got to rev things up, create jobs and create wealth and create opportunities for Jamaicans," he asserted.  
 
"I've been asked and have tremendous responsibility that has been reposed in me to work with Jamaicans to achieve prosperity in this country," said Mr. Shaw, who added that he considers his appointment to be an honour. 
 


Most Popular
VM Group employee facing fraud charges
Gas prices down $1.62, diesel up $2.56