DEAN JONAS REMOVED OF MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Member of Parliament for St George, Hon. Dean Jonas is no longer a member of the cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda. Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne wrote to Mr Jonas today indicating the immediate withdrawal and termination of his ministerial duties. The head of government has also written to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams to terminate Mr Jonas’ cabinet appointment and immediately transfer the portfolios of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs to Member of Parliament for St Mary’s South, the Hon. Samantha Marshall.

Prime Minister Browne says this withdrawal and termination of Mr Jonas’ ministerial portfolios will be for a period of 6 months, after which “a decision may be taken to reverse today’s decision.” He is asking Mr Jonas to take the half year to reconsider approaches to the management of his responsibilities. The Prime Minister has told Mr Jonas that his relationship with staff in the ministry and farmers is toxic. Prime Minister Browne has also told Mr Jonas in the letter today, “For more than six months, I have tried to dissuade you from taking decisions that are inimical to good governance, and to my government’s policy. My attempts have been in vain.”