KINGSTON, Jamaica — Fayval Williams and Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon are energised for their new ministerial appointments.

Williams and Morris Dixon have been appointed as minister of finance and minister of education, respectively.

The new appointments were announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday and follows Dr Nigel Clarke’s resignation as finance minister to take up a deputy managing director post at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

READ: Fayval Williams named as new Finance Minister, Morris Doxon to take over Education Ministry

Speaking after the announcement, Williams told Observer Online, “I am deeply honoured and profoundly humbled to be given this opportunity to be Jamaica’s minister of finance. The role is one of great responsibility and it comes at a pivotal moment in our country’s journey.”

“We’re in a time that continues to demand a vision, resilience and a steadfast commitment to building a future that offers both stability and opportunity for all citizens. I assure you I am ready to work tirelessly to continue to make this vision a reality,” Williams continued.

The former education minister noted that finance is more than balancing the books.

“It is about ensuring that every resource we allocate, every policy we enact and every initiative we launch is a step towards a more prosperous and a more inclusive economy. And in this role I pledge to prioritise accountability and innovation and to listen closely to the needs and aspirations of those we serve,” Williams explained.

“Our economy, like those across the globe, continues to face challenges, but I see in these challenges incredible opportunities to continue to build on the foundation that has been created to create an even more resilient country. We will continue to invest in infrastructure needed for sustainable growth,” she said, while extending her congratulations to Morris Dixon who will replace her as education minister.

Newly announced Minister of Finance and Public Service, Fayval Williams (right) and Education Minister, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon.

Morris Dixon told Observer Online that her appointment came as a surprise but said she was willing to do whatever is necessary to assist the prime minister in reaching his goals.

“This is a new one, it’s a surprising one but it is one that I know is very important. It’s one that is actually very dear to my heart because I know the power of education. For everybody who has done well in Jamaica, education has played a very important part in that and so the goal really is to move that forward,” Morris Dixon said.

She noted, however, that she previously served on the education commission that did the Patterson report and chaired two of the committees

“So I know it deeply and I know the issues and I do know that we have some of the best teachers in the entire world. I know we have professionals at the Ministry of Education that are working to make things happen, but there are a lot of issues and so it’s not going to be an easy portfolio, but it is an important one and I will do as best as I can with God’s help in contributing to its development,” Morris Dixon said.