Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has named Herod Stanislas as the new Minister of Agriculture replacing Jimmy Henry who resigned abruptly last month citing “personal reasons”.
Chastanet said that Stanislas, who served as a junior minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives, had proven himself to be a “dedicated and hard worker on the part of the people of St. Lucia; and this particular ministry he has been assigned to is essential to the ambitious economic agenda we have set forth.
“We know that he will be successful in this new role,” Chastanet added.
In a statement posted on the social network, Facebook, Henry had said that “he had decided to tender his resignation “with immediate effect” citing “personal matters” which he said prevented him from giving “the attention necessary to my Ministerial duties”.
But former government minister and talk show host, Richard Frederick alleged that Henry was stopped at George Charles Airport and questioned about an undisclosed sum oo money in his possession.
National Security Minister Hermanguild Francis denied knowledge of any such investigation regarding Henry and suggested that the allegation is political mischief.
Stanislas said he wanted to thank Chastanet “for his confidence in my abilities to serve in both these esteemed positions.
“I thank the staff who have supported my work over the past year and I look forward now to this new assignment with anticipation. I will continue to work closely with all my Cabinet colleagues to ensure that our mandate is fulfilled.”
This is the first change in the Cabinet since Chastanet led the United Workers Party (UWP) to victory in the June 2016 general elections.
