Minister of State in Dominica

In Dominica, the Minister of State is a junior ministerial position within the Cabinet, appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. These ministers are assigned specific responsibilities within a ministry and support senior ministers in executing governmental duties.

Appointment and Role

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica guides the appointment of Ministers of State. They are selected from among the elected members of the House of Assembly or appointed Senators. Their primary role is to assist senior ministers in managing the affairs of their respective ministries, ensuring efficient administration and policy implementation.

Current Ministers of State

As of the latest information available, the following individuals serve as Ministers of State in Dominica:

• Hon. Daren Pinard: Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
• Hon. Jullan Defoe: Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
• Hon. Oscar George: Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development
• Hon. Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite: Minister of State in the Ministry of Public works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy
• Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams: Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services

These appointments reflect the government’s commitment to addressing specific areas within ministries that require focused attention and expertise.

Significance in Governance

Ministers of State play a crucial role in Dominica’s governance by:

• Enhancing Administrative Efficiency: By handling specific portfolios, they allow senior ministers to focus on broader strategic issues.
• Policy Implementation: They oversee the execution of policies within their designated areas, ensuring alignment with national objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: They often act as liaisons between the government and various stakeholders, facilitating communication and collaboration.

This structure ensures that the government can address a wide range of issues effectively, with dedicated leadership overseeing each critical area.