Minister Norton to head Culture, Youth and Sport Department

… still holds Social Cohesion post

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton will from September 1 take on full responsibility of culture, youth and sport under the Education Ministry.
The announcement was made on Monday by Education Minister (ag) Nicolette Henry during a forum with staff members at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). Minister Henry said she will now be fully responsible for education. Under the stewardship of former Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Henry was specially assigned to the culture, youth and sport department; an area she received heavy criticism for over her performance.

Norton’s new appointment was confirmed on Monday by President David Granger, who in a release said Norton will, as of September 1, assume responsibility for culture, youth and sport, allowing Education Minister Nicolette Henry to focus on improving the quality of and access to education countrywide.
The release from the Ministry of the Presidency said Norton will remain Social Cohesion Minister, with the new addition to his portfolio. However, his office will now be housed at the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport on Main Street, Georgetown.
In an invited comment, Norton said he is thankful for the confidence reposed in him by the President and looks forward to the new portfolio, even while he continues to focus on building social cohesion in Guyana.
“I am very excited about this. There is no doubt about my interest in sports and I have been exposed to the various cultures across the country. In my role as Minister of Social Cohesion, I have been privileged to work with all the groups across the country and so I have an understanding of what is needed already. I have always been vocal about youth opportunities and… I certainly see the youth population as being the agents of change, who can make social cohesion a reality in Guyana and so I look forward to doing my best in both worlds,” the Minister is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying.
Before moving to the Social Cohesion Ministry in January of this year, Norton had served as the substantive Public Health Minister.