After having his Senatorial position revoked to allow the Government to appoint a new senator to facilitate the passing of the 2022 Budget on January 14th, Rochard Ballah, was re-appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister during a short ceremony at Government House on Tuesday February 8th, 2022.
Under the relevant provisions of Section 28 of the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which outlines the directives for Senator Ballah’s demitting office and consequent appointment of the Hon. Rene Baptiste as his replacement, the work of the government and subsequent approval of the 2022 Budget Estimates continued undisrupted.
Following his Oaths of Allegiance, of Office and of Secrecy, Her Excellency Governor General Dame Susan Dougan congratulated Senator Ballah on his reappointment and also used the opportunity to recognize the Hon. Rene Baptiste for her continued commitment to nation building as “a true patriot and outstanding Vincentian, who always rose to the challenge where it pertains to moving our country forward.”
Prime Minster Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves who was also present for the ceremony said that notwithstanding “the exigencies of certain circumstances and the problem with the Pandemic the Constitution provided the flexibility to ensure that representative government was given its full flowering and fruition. The Prime Minister further thanked the Hon. Rene Baptiste for her contribution to the Debate and remarked that her transition back to the House of Assembly was seamless “as if she hadn’t left the House and [she] dealt with the issues at hand very competently.”
The re-appointment of the Hon. Senator Rochard Ballah comes just as he is set to accompany Prime Minster Gonsalves and a contingent representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the World Expo 2022 taking place in Dubai, which will feature for 5 days from February 14th 2022.