Honourable Marlon Penn has been appointed Minister for Health and Social Development in the Government of the Virgin Islands.

 The appointment was presented to the Minister during an Official Swearing-In Ceremony today Tuesday, November 20.

With the appointment of the Health and Social Development portfolio, Honourable Penn will no longer hold the Junior Minister portfolio of Trade and Investment.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has therefore advised His Excellency the Governor to appoint Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines as Junior Minister of Trade and Investment and Honourable Hubert O’Neal as Junior Minister of Tourism.

Premier Smith stated that this is an important time for the Territory; and the work and development of the Tourism, Trade and Health portfolios must continue to deliver on their strategic objectives.

The Junior Minister portfolios for Trade and Tourism are expected to report to the Premier of the Virgin Islands, regarding the assigned responsibilities under the ministerial portfolio.  In addition, the Junior Ministers will work closely with the staff and departments under the Premier’s Office.