PM reshuffles Cabinet today

Finally. After months of to-ing and fro-ing by Prime Minister Patrick Manning and widespread speculation by the media and the public, the long-awaited Cabinet reshuffle would be announced today at 4 pm in the House of Representatives by the Prime minister.

It comes as no surprise that Attorney General Glenda Morean would be taking her exit from Government and from the Cabinet. Morean, who is scheduled to go to London as High Commissioner, said farewell to her colleagues at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, after Manning indicated that it would be her last meeting. The AG, according to sources, is not dejected or crest-fallen. She is expected to say goodbye to her staff at the Ministry of the Attorney General today. John Jeremie is expected to enter the Cabinet as Attorney General. However, contrary to universal speculation that National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee, was expected to be moved, insiders say that he would remain and retain his portfolio. Chin Lee’s reported survival would come following a powerful lobby from various interests for his retention. However, uncertainty hangs over the head of Colm Imbert, Health Minister.

Sources said yesterday that there would be several other changes but ministers would be informed only today, sometime before the announcement in the Parliament. The Prime Minister wants to keep the element of surprise. Members of the Cabinet yesterday said they were relieved that the day of judgment has finally arrived and that they would be spared the trauma of the indecision. One Cabinet source said it was time the Cabinet settled down and that people know where they are,  so that they can begin planning their work for the next year. Even in making the announcement, Manning  kept up the suspense. In response to a question at the end of yesterday’s post-Cabinet press conference, Manning casually disclosed that the reshuffle would “come over the weekend”, declining to state which day. “I give you an inch, you want to take a mile,” he teased. He later stated: “Parliament is about the people’s business. I suggest you come.” Later in the afternoon, a release from the Ministry of Public Administration and Information, said that the Prime Minister “will make a special statement in the House of Representatives...starting at 4 pm” It added that media organisations wishing to carry a live broadcast of the statement are advised to seek authorisation from the Speaker of the House of Representatives.