Fayval Williams Named New Finance Minister

Newly appointed Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams (right), shares a moment with new Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon during today’s (October 30) post-cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House. (Yhomo Hutchinson/JIS)

The new Minister of Finance and the Public Service is Fayval Williams!

She takes over from Dr Nigel Clarke who has demitted office to take up the role of deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement at the post-cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House earlier on Wednesday.

Minister Williams is the first female to hold the portfolio.

She was previously a minister without portfolio in the ministry in the first few years of Dr Clarke’s leadership.

Minister Williams is a chartered financial analyst by profession. She holds an MBA with concentration in Finance from the Wharton Business School and a BA in Economics from Harvard University.

She is Member of Parliament for East St Andrew and the current Minister of Education & Youth.

She will be replaced by Senator Dana Morris Dixon, who already has the portfolios of Skills and Digital Transformation as well as Information.

Prime Minister Holness also announced on Wednesday that Matthew Samuda will resume duties as Minister without portofolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation.

Samuda, who held the post in his capacity as a Senator, resigned to pave the way for his run as Member of Parliament for North East St Ann in the September 30 by-election.

He won that race, amassing some 95 per cent of the votes.

Holness says the appointments are meant to maintain stability while adapting to change.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness.