Hinds to be appointed Minister today

Laventille East/Morvant and its MP,  Fitzgerald Hinds,  will regain their presence in the Government today with the appointment of Hinds as Minister of  State in the Ministry of National Security and Minister of State in the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The 11 am ceremony, which would be attended by Prime Minister Patrick Manning takes place at President’s House. Sources told Newsday that Prime Minister Patrick Manning wrote to the President, Professor George Maxwell Richards, before leaving for Mexico, to advise him of his decision. Hinds was also informed then.

Hinds, who turned down the PM’s offer to work as a junior minister in the National Security Ministry under Howard Chin Lee last year, accepted  the invitation two months ago during the turmoil created by the resignation of  Larry Achong as Labour Minister. Hinds’ appointment comes amidst heightened attention to the issue of crime. Hinds’ background, both as a former policeman and an attorney, provides him with a solid understanding of law enforcement. Furthermore coming from the constituency of Laventille East/Morvant, one of  the “hot spots” of crime, he  would be well positioned to understand the competing claims of the public in the battle against crime.

Sources said Hinds was looking forward to working with Minister Martin Joseph. Sources stated that while there was as yet no definition of Hinds’ precise portfolio responsibilities, a significant aspect of addressing crime would include prison reform and rehabilitation, which was previously the responsibility of Anthony Roberts. In Trade and Industry, Hinds would be joining another junior minister, Diane Seukeran, as they work under Ken Valley, the substantiative minister. Hinds, who is immensely popular, has been a somewhat controversial figure, but he has remained a faithful team player, and has been extremely loyal to the party.