by Nisha Paul

• International Girls in ICT Day–AI Innovation Challenge Competition was launched on Friday
• Redhead previously served as Minister of State with responsibility for Youth and Sports
• Will take over responsibility for ICT from 1 June

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who currently oversees Grenada’s ICT and digital transformation agenda, announced that Member of Parliament for St George North East, Ron Redhead, will take over responsibility for ICT from 1 June.

The announcement was made on Friday during the official launch of the International Girls in ICT Day–AI Innovation Challenge Competition. An official national announcement on the appointment is expected from the Prime Minister in the coming days.

Redhead, who previously served as Minister of State with responsibility for Youth and Sports following the National Democratic Congress’ 2022 election victory, is expected to re-enter Cabinet after stepping away during the government’s 2024 reshuffle. At the time, government officials indicated the move would allow him to focus on completing his studies while continuing to serve as Member of Parliament for St George NorthEast.

The Prime Minister used the occasion not only to announce the appointment, but also to highlight Redhead’s academic journey while serving in public office. “He has a unique story to share. MP Ron Redhead will be graduating from St George’s University at the end of this month, having pursued his degree while being a Member of Parliament in this current government,” Mitchell said.

The Prime Minister said Redhead’s decision to continue his studies while balancing political responsibilities reflected the importance of lifelong learning and self-development. “I highlight this because it’s important for us to understand that we can work and continue to educate ourselves and continue to pursue our dreams, even in pretty difficult circumstances,” Mitchell stated.

Mitchell noted that Redhead’s experience as a policymaker pursuing higher education made him well-positioned to understand the importance of digital advancement and innovation. “The fact that he is a Member of Parliament, the fact that he’s a politician, the fact that he is responsible for policymaking, is all the more reason why he recognised the need to pursue and continue his education,” he added.

The Prime Minister also suggested the appointment would allow for more dedicated oversight of Grenada’s growing ICT and digital transformation agenda. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to take on his new portfolio. I’m sure those members of the ICT team will be happy to have a minister who has the time and no competing priorities to ensure that we can continue to push ICT and the digital transformation in Grenada,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell currently holds several major ministerial responsibilities in addition to serving as Prime Minister, including National Security, Public Administration, Infrastructure and Information.

Redhead was first elected to Parliament in June 2022 as part of the NDC’s historic 9–6 election victory and has remained one of the party’s more visible younger political figures.

Efforts to reach Redhead for comment on the appointment on Friday proved unsuccessful.

NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.