The lawns of State House came alive on Saturday evening as President Dr. Irfaan Ali officially took the Oath of Office for 25 ministers, unveiling a new Cabinet that blends experienced policymakers with a fresh group of professionals and young voices.
The ceremony, full of national pride and optimism, was attended by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, diplomats, military officials, and the families of those appointed.
In his remarks before swearing in each minister, President Ali stressed that the next five years will focus on improving the lives of all Guyanese. He also made it clear that the new administration will be evaluated based on results and discipline.
Fresh Faces in Leadership
Several first-time ministers have joined the Cabinet, bringing fresh energy and technical skills. Among them are:
- Keoma Griffith – Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning
- Sarah Browne – Minister of Amerindian Affairs
- Vanessa Benn – Minister within the Ministry of Housing
- Madanlall Ramraj – Minister within the Ministry of Public Works
- Vickash Ramkissoon – Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture
- Steven Jacobs – Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport
Two new portfolios were also created to improve governance and concentrate on key sectors. Deodat Indar now heads the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, while Zulfikar Ally has been appointed Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation.
Senior Ministers Reassigned
Several long-serving Cabinet members have assumed new responsibilities:
- Priya Manickchand moves to Local Government and Regional Development
- Pauline Sukhai is now Minister within Local Government
- Oneidge Walrond takes over as Home Affairs Minister
- Sonia Parag assumes leadership of the Education Ministry
- Susan Rodrigues transitions to Tourism, Industry and Commerce
Retaining Experience
Key portfolios remain in trusted hands to ensure continuity. Anil Nandlall continues as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; Dr. Ashni Singh retains his position as Senior Minister of Finance; and Hugh Todd remains at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Other ministers remaining in their positions include Gail Teixeira (Parliamentary Affairs and Governance), Zulfikar Mustapha (Agriculture), Dr. Frank Anthony (Health), Juan Edghill (Public Works), Kwame McCoy (Office of the Prime Minister), Charles Ramson (Culture, Youth, and Sport), Vickram Bharrat (Natural Resources), Collin Croal (Housing), and Dr. Vindhya Persaud (Human Services and Social Security).
Parliamentary Appointments
The government also announced several new parliamentary secretaries: indigenous leaders Lenox Shuman and Sonia Latchman; attorneys Sanjeev Datadin and James Bond; former Minister Anand Persaud; Go-Invest CEO Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; educator Mischka White-Griffith; and maritime expert Thandi McAllister.
Advisers Named
Former Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has been appointed as a senior advisor on Home Affairs and Natural Resources, while former Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton will provide guidance on labor and workforce planning.
Additionally, there are several presidential advisors. They include Dr. Mahendra Curpen, a cardiologist, as an advisor on science and healthcare modernization. Shyam Nokta serves as an advisor on tertiary education and reform, Kofi Dalrymple is a One Guyana Commission advisor, and Ruel Johnson is a senior advisor on home affairs and natural resources.
Balancing Renewal with Continuity
President Ali emphasized that the Cabinet combines proven leadership with fresh perspectives, positioning the government to carry out its ambitious development agenda.
He reminded the ministers that their work must focus on results, people-centered policies, and efficiency: “This government is the exercise of responsibility, service, and humility; no egos. It’s about serving responsibly.”
With this mix of experience and fresh energy, the PPP/C administration has prepared the way for the next chapter in Guyana’s governance and development.