Athaliah Reynolds, Staff Reporter

Prime Minister Bruce Golding (left) gets a hug from an overjoyed Pearnel Charles, the veteran trade unionist who is Minister of Labour and Social Security, at yesterday's swearing-in of the Cabinet at King's House, St. Andrew. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

THERE WAS a wave of change in the air yesterday as the beautifully manicured lawns of King's House were transformed by individuals from various echelons of society who turned out to witness the swearing-in of Bruce Golding's 18-Member Cabinet.

Tents, fittingly adorned with the colours of the national flag, were hot, not just by the bright afternoon sun, but also by a certain spirit of praise and thanksgiving that has underscored the political proceedings of the past few days.

This idea of thanksgiving, was also evident as Reverend Al Miller opened yesterday's proceedings with a prayer of hope, followed by a hearty rendition of the National Pledge by popular gospel artiste Dr. Lester Lewis and the Singing Rose Ministries.

There were cheers, whistles, applauses, hugs and kisses as the various members of the Cabinet made their way to the platform to take the oath of office - swearing their allegiance to the people of Jamaica and to uphold the Constitution and the Laws of the country.

Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, heading a list of several newcomers to parliament and one of only two women who will make up this Cabinet drew the loudest and most enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

The veteran politician will head the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports. Ms. Grange, a former Minister of State responsible for information and culture, told The Gleaner that she is pleased with her newly assigned portfolio and plans to serve the people of Jamaica wholeheartedly.

Enthused applause was also reserved for Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, who was sworn into the Cabinet as Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

There were also hugs and kisses and handshakes reserved for former Prime Minister and leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, Edward Seaga, who was also present.

Several noted members of the public, including Douglas Orane and Kenneth Benjamin, members of the diplomatic corps, former members of parliament, members of the business community and even a noted fashion guru and his leading lady were also in attendance.

But to top an excellent afternoon, it was the Prime Minister's heartfelt speech that plunged the already excited audience into a frenzy of applauses, ending with a standing ovation.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding highlighted his decision to choose the team which formed the Cabinet, describing them as an appropriate blend of experience and youthful energy, "without careless exuberance," a note which undoubtedly drew a bit of laughter from the audience.

"The choice of these 17 ministers reflect my confidence in them, my confidence in their ability and my confidence in their commitment first to [their] country and then to me," he said.

"I expect great things of you," said Mr. Golding as he spoke directly to his 17-member Cabinet. "The people of Jamaica expect great things of you and therefore we cannot afford to let down the people of Jamaica."

Reciting the motto of his old high school, Jamaica College, Fervet opus campis - 'Work is burning in the fields' Mr. Golding charged is newly elected team to, "Let's go and do the people's work that awaits us."

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com