Elated relatives turn out to support state ministers at swearing-in

Judana Murphy/Gleaner Writer 

King's House, the residence of Jamaica's Head of State was not as bustling amid COVID restrictions on Monday afternoon, like in times past, for the swearing-in of state ministers.

But in the audience were a few close relatives of the nine junior ministers appointed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to compete his 28-member executive.

Levaughn Flynn, the husband of Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, the new state minister for health and wellness was among those who turned up.

"I'm very happy for her and I know she’s going to do a good job. She’s a hard worker and she’s dedicated to anything she takes on," said Flynn. 

Cuthbert-Flynn, an Olympian is also the incumbent Member of Parliament-elect for St Andrew West Rural.

“She sees herself as a servant of Jamaica and she sees that role in several ways," said Flynn, adding that now the focus will be on assisting with the development of strong policies. 

Attorney at law Nesta-Claire Hunter, sister of the St Ann North Eastern MP-elect Marsha Smith was equally proud of her sibling's appointment. 

Smith, who succeeds the late Shahine Robinson as MP, was sworn in as state minister of finance and the public service.

“She’s a very bright young lady and I’m sure she will do very well in this ministry. I know that she is looking forward to working with her minister, Dr Nigel Clarke," said Hunter.

Smith has been an attorney for more than 23 years and chairman of the Industrial Dispute Tribunal. 

"For this new role, I think she will also do very well and she learns quickly,” Hunter continued. 

Smith is the daughter of Ernest ‘Ernie’ Smith, a two-term member of parliament for St Ann South West. 

She told The Gleaner she was honoured by the confidence that her constituents had reposed in her. 

"From I was a child, the constant repetition of the anthem and pledge at school was something that drove me to see public service as being important,” Smith said of her motivation to enter representational politics. 

She said her primary role will be to ensure that the policies of the ministry are carried out and to maintain the efficiency of the public service. 

Meanwhile, Cuthbert-Flynn said she was surprised by the appointment but has always been prepared to serve.

"I’ve been in fitness all my life, promoting a healthy lifestyle and so wherever the minister thinks I should go, or where he wants me to take charge, that’s what I will do," she said.

Cuthbert-Flynn said she hopes to re-energise participation in physical education and seek to lead a greater push towards proper nutrition in schools. 

State ministers sworn in:

Juliet Cuthbert Flynn –  Health and Wellness

Marsha Smith – Finance and Public Service

Leslie Campbell – Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

Homer Davis – Local Government and Community Development

Alando Terrelonge – Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport

J.C Hutchinson – Transport and Mining

Robert Morgan – Education, Youth and Information

Zavia Mayne – Labour and Social Security

Dr Norman Dunn – Industry, Investment and Commerce

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