BREAKING NEWS: MCKEEVA IN PANTON PACT

BREAKING NEWS: MCKEEVA IN PANTON PACT
 

The PACT group of Independents has released an updated 10-member list of MPs giving it a majority to form the next coalition government.

Crucially it includes Speaker of Parliament McKeeva Bush who many of the

MPs-elect were adamant during the campaign that they would not be part of a government with him.

This also means that Alric Lindsay originally named as Speaker by the PACT group

The coalition has named six ministers although portfolios have not been assigned.

Premier-designate Wayne Panton and Deputy Premier-designate Chris Saunders have not been assigned to any specific portfolio assignments beyond the constitutional ambits of the posts they will assume in their government.

In a statement, the group said, “Over the past weekend, the PACT Independent Group had several discussions regarding the composition of Cabinet and the following was agreed:

- Premier – G. Wayne Panton, MP Elect, Newlands

- Deputy Premier – Christopher Saunders, MP Elect, Bodden Town West

- Minister – Kenneth V. Bryan, MP Elect, George Town Central

- Minister – Sabrina Turner, MP Elect, Prospect

- Minister – Andre M. Ebanks, MP Elect, West Bay South

- Minister – Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, MP Elect, West Bay Central

- Minister – Johany S. “Jay” Ebanks, MP Elect, North Side

- Minister – Bernie A. Bush, MP Elect, West Bay North

The PACT Independent Group also agreed that: -

Heather D. Bodden, MP Elect, Savannah will serve as a Parliamentary Secretary, and W. Mckeeva Bush will serve as Speaker.

Premier Designate, G. Wayne Panton stated: “I am humbled to be leading a team with such diverse backgrounds which reflects a mix of political experience and youthful energy. It is clear from the electorate that they wanted the torch pass to the next generation, and I am honoured to be at the helm of such a transition in our history.”

He also offered his gratitude to the outgoing administration and former legislators saying:

“I want to thank Premier Mclaughlin and his team for their service to our islands as public service is still a noble calling. I also want to use this opportunity to thank the other Parliamentarians who also served our islands over the past 4 years but were unsuccessful at the polls. In their contributions, they have left their fingerprints on the development of our islands.”

Mr Panton, also offered his gratitude to long-time Member of Parliament, Anthony S. Eden and concluded by saying:

“My team wants me to recognize the contributions of Mr. Tony as a legislator for almost 3 decades. His unbroken service to the People of Bodden Town, Savannah, and Newlands is testament to his commitment to public service and I wish him well in his retirement. I want to thank his family for sharing some of the best years of his life with us and we are forever in their debt.”