And while Bernard dutifully waits for further orders - indeed, it is not unusual for a Prime Minister to have the final say in key CEO appointments.
But, the new minister's absolute deference to the Prime Minister on all matters does give credence to his reputation as a Briceno ultra loyalist.
And that's part of the problem that the Leader of the Opposition has with his appointment. He feels that the PM has inserted a proxy into a position which calls for bold and visionary leadership. This was the top agenda item at a UDP press conference today:
Hon. Patrick Faber, Leader of the Opposition
"Kevin Bernard is not a fit and proper person to hold the Ministry of Health either, and in fact we call on the prime minister to do what is right. In this time of crisis, appoint a senator; appoint a professional somebody who can have a better handle on this situation. We see Kevin Bernard as merely a puppet of the prime minister, somebody who did a very mediocre, if at all any kind of success can be deemed in the previous portfolio that he held, how now can we expect anything better from him at such a very, very vital and important ministry."
