Two players in the country’s financial and economic sector are welcoming Fayval Williams’ appointment as the new Minister of Finance and the Public Service.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness tipped Williams to succeed Dr. Nigel Clarke in the powerful portfolio during a media briefing Wednesday morning.
She’s the first woman to hold the post.
Mahiri Stewart reports.
Financial commentators had speculated that Fayval Williams was a strong prospect to replace Dr. Clarke in managing the country’s financial affairs.
After weeks of speculation, Prime Minister Andrew Holness gave her the nod.
Chartered accountant, Dennis Chung, says the appointment was not a surprise.
Mrs. Williams is a chartered financial analyst.
She holds an advanced degree in Finance from the prestigious Wharton School of Business in the United States.
She also has a degree in Economics from Harvard University.
Economist, Keenan Falconer says he does not expect a change in financial policy during Mrs. Williams’ tenure.
There were concerns that Mrs. Williams may not be the best communicator to inspire confidence in the financial markets.
Dennis Chung does not share those concerns.
Meanwhile, while welcoming Mrs. Williams appointment, Junior Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Cleveland Tomlinson, says economic growth must be her number one priority.
Mr. Tomlinson says both parties can be proud of the work done so far to stabilise the economy.
Cleveland Tomlinson, Junior Opposition Spokesman on Finance.
He was speaking with Nationwide News on Wednesday.
