Chief Minister, the Honourable Osbourne Fleming and members of his cabinet met with Permanent Secretaries and Special Assistants on Monday January 5, 2004 to discuss a number of matters relevant to the successful functioning of his government in 2004.

The main item on the agenda was the temporary assignment to the other Ministers of Government of the Departments included under the Ministry of Social Development and Lands. This temporary assignment of departments to Chief Minister Fleming, Ministers Banks and Harrigan is a result of the absence from office of the Minister of Social Development, the Honourable Eric Reid, who is presently undergoing medical treatment in the United States.

The following assignment of departments for political direction by other ministers was agreed upon:

(a) Chief Minister Fleming would be temporarily responsible for the direction of the Departments of Land and Survey, Physical Planning, the Prison and Community Development;

(b) Minister Banks would be temporarily responsible for the Departments of Education, Health, Library Services, Youth, Sports and Culture;
(c) Minister Harrigan is to provide temporary direction for the Departments of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The temporary assignments to Ministers of departments included under the Ministry of Social Development and Lands will not result in management changes at the level of Permanent Secretary. The appointed Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of Social Development and Lands will continue to oversee the management of the Ministry and the supervision of their various departments.

Chief Minister Fleming reminded the group that though 2003 was a challenging year, it ended favourably for the Government of Anguilla. He noted that the holiday period saw unprecedented tourist arrivals. The Chief Minister encouraged all present to rise to the challenges of 2004 and especially so with regard major activities and projects due for completion in the upcoming year.

It was agreed that measurable targets would be set by each ministry and department to monitor and evaluate government’s performance in 2004. Policy and Planning meetings between the Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Special Assistants are to continue on a monthly basis.

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