E.P Chet Greene with Anthony Smith and Sir STeadroy Cutie Benjamin

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Following an unforeseen resignation from the Opposition United Progressive Party, Smith was sworn in as the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and Urban Renewal on Tuesday.

Greene, who previously held the Agriculture and Fisheries portfolio, believes that Smith has the capacity and expertise to fulfill the role successfully.

“I want to welcome Smith to the team. I can assure the public that he has come at a time when the platforms for Agriculture are in place and so it is now for him to run with it. I think he has the capacity and the skillsets; I remain available to him for advice…I am sure the rest of the team will also welcome him,” he said

Greene said he is also willing to accompany Smith to meet his new staff and make a formal introduction.

“A lot of things are happening in Agriculture…I believe this addition to Cabinet is a welcomed one. I want to encourage young Smith to get into the farming community as quickly as he can…” he said

He said he expects the new minister to use his uniqueness and skills to improve those in the sector

“The platform is already built. It is now for the new minister to submerge himself into what is there. I don’t expect him to be a Chet Greene, we all have our own styles of doing things, but I expect him to use his own style within the context of the government’s policies to boost the sector,” he said

Smith was always welcomed by other government ministers, including

“I would like Smith to internalize the importance of the ministry. He is now responsible for feeding the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said