Sports Minister Daryll Matthew will now add the Education Ministry to his portfolio as he was sworn in on Thursday morning at the Government House.
In the attendance of his family, members of the media and the Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Matthew was given the additional portfolio following the alleged resignation of the former Education Minister Michael Browne who is dealing with a court matter.
Matthew will now hold the position of the Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries instead of his previous post of Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals and the Arts.
His previous posts of Culture, National Frestivals and the Arts will now fall under Creative Industries.
“It was done with a forward thinking vision to the way we see things in Antigua and Barbuda as it relates to culture, the performing arts and national festivals and so it was not any elimination of the portfolios but rather a change in the title in order to bring forward this forwad vision that we have,” Matthew explained.
He noted however that his appointment although quite exciting comes at such a sorrowful time but in spite of it all he will be putting his best foot forward as education is paramount now more than ever with the pandemic.
“It is with great honor and immense pride that I accept this portfolio but it is certainly not under the circumstances I would have preferred. However, I do pledgeto do my best with this additional responsibility and I recognize to who much is given, much is expected. We are indeed in different times where education is concerned,” said Matthew.
Matthew who indicated he was only made aware of the appointment after Cabinet on Wednesday shared that his first steps will be to meet with the education officials in mapping the way forward.
This he says however will not delay him or take his focus away from his other portfolios.
Sir Rodney Williams who was a former Education minister himself gave Matthew some advice as he steps into this new field. Williams charged Matthew to be dilligent and open minded to the task at hand and even offered his support in anyway to Matthew if he ever needs it as he navigates through the covid pandemic.
