Williams keen to take on 'great responsibility' of Finance Ministry

By Kimone Witter    

 

Newly appointed Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams, is eager to take on her new role after becoming the first woman to serve in the position.

 

This is Mrs. Williams's 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 full-fledged appointment on Wednesday comes after the resignation of Dr. Nigel Clarke to assume the post of Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund.

 

Speaking at Wednesday's post-Cabinet press briefing after the announcement, Mrs. Williams said she is honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve in the position. 

 

"The role is one of great responsibility and it comes at a pivotal moment in our country's journey. We're in a time that demands, that continues to demand, the vision, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to building a future that offers both stability and opportunity for all citizens. I assure you, I am ready to work tirelessly to continue to make this vision a reality," she pledged. 

 

In making the announcement on Wednesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Mrs. Williams will have a team to assist her in the role, including senior advisor Alok Jain. 

 

 

The appointment of Fayval Williams as Minister of Finance has not come as a surprise to financial analyst Dennis Chung.

 

Mr. Chung said he expects that Mrs. Williams will be effective in the role.

 

"I think she'll be a good finance minister. I've known Fayval for a while, before she entered politics and she's someone who I think is very diligent from a financial point of view. She has been a successful business person. So I think Fayval has the right pedigree to continue the fiscal programme that we're on and also work with the other ministries in delivering the capacity that we need for growth. So I'm happy for her. She's the first female appointed finance minister, which is historic," he said.