When the Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7)-led delegation travels to London to negotiate a new constitution, it will seek a new title change for Junior Ministers. Photo: GIS/File

There are two Junior Ministers currently: Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, left, the Jr Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development; and Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), right, the Jr Minister for Culture and Tourism. Photo: GIS/File

The Constitutional Review Commission, led by Lisa E. Penn-Lettsome, recommended a review of the constitutional provisions relating to Junior Ministers, noting that the current description of the role may not reflect its intended purpose.

Mrs Penn-Lettsome's Constitutional Commission proposed considering alternatives, including the removal of the office or the expansion of its remit.

Committee Decision of Elected Members

However, legislators who have the final say and who will be negotiating on the Territory’s behalf in a few weeks accepted the recommendations, but with modifications.

The Committee of Elected Members of the whole House of Assembly (HoA) supported retaining a ministerial support role, but agreed to an amended model.

Members agreed that the office should be retained under the title ‘Minister of State’, with an expanded remit so that a Minister of State may be assigned to assist any Minister, and that restrictive language linking the role exclusively to economic development should be removed.

Therefore, there will be a constitutional amendment sought in London. However, it is unclear if the new Ministers of State will attend cabinet meetings.

Rationale

Elected Members considered that Ministers carry broad portfolios and that an effective support mechanism is necessary to strengthen executive capacity.

Members also considered that the existing “Junior Minister” terminology can create confusion as to constitutional status and administrative authority, and that clearer constitutional framing would improve understanding and support effective functioning.

There are two Junior Ministers currently: Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, the Jr Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development; and Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), the Jr Minister for Culture and Tourism.