If the recent upheaval in the Briceno Cabinet had a winner - we'd wager that it would be Rodwell Ferguson - the Minister from Stann Creek West.
8 Months ago, the party's Deputy leader for the south took a big hit when he was stripped of any functional portfolio - and relegated to be Minister of State in the Prime Minister's office. It's a do-nothing job with a good letterhead, and the PM dubbed him a problem solver - even when it seemed Ferguson was the problem.
Well, Rodwell Ferguson is back in the Cabinet high life - he's Minister of Agriculture, Food Security & New Growth Industries and today in Orange Walk he told us that he'd started his transition.
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture
"Well I started my transition, I met the staff yesterday a very interesting staff they are mostly technical people and I believe together we can put this energy together to enhance the Ministry of Agriculture and I want to give minister Mai kudos, I have a tall order to fill but I'll do my best to work with the staff to improve agriculture and benefit the farmers of this country."
"Initially, originally sugar and citrus was the mainstay of the country, then afterwards banana came in then shrimps and all of them are having their own difficulties. So as the minister now I will sit down with them carefully and figure out how we can chart a way forward. Sugar is not directly under the Ministry of Agriculture but it is still agriculture so I have to work with them. And the problem is is to try to combat the disease that they have and see if we can find new markets to improve the quality, and we distribute and ship out of the country."
"I am not afraid of challenges. In my previous life I have worked in the citrus industry for many years as an accountant so I am not afraid any challenge you give me I will perform to the best of my ability."
