The new Minister for Family Affairs, Mrs Jeanne Simeon, was sworn into office during a ceremony at State House this morning before the President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure. This is after the approval by the National Assembly yesterday, following her nomination by the President.

Also present at the auspicious ceremony was the Vice-President, Mr Vincent Meriton, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Patrick Pillay, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Francis MacGregor, Designated Minister, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, Attorney General, Mr Ronny Govinden, Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Hon Charles De Commarmond, Members of the National Assembly, and other distinguished guests including members of Mrs Simeon's family and senior officials in the Office of the President.

During the ceremony, Minister Simeon took the Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution, the Oath of Office, and the Oath of Secrecy.

Minister Jeanne Simeon, who has now joined the Cabinet of Ministers, was previously the Deputy Secretary for Cabinet Affairs in the Office of the President since October last year. She has also served as Principal Secretary in the Vice-President's Office. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Language and Linguistics Science from the University of York and a Master in Education Management and Teacher Training from the University of Leeds. A former teacher, she has had a prominent career in education, working in the Ministry of Education as Principal Secretary of Education.

"I feel proud as a woman to have been nominated as Minister and responsible for a new portfolio. I am happy and express gratitude for the trust that the President has bestowed on me and I am ready to discharge my responsibility. As the new Minister for Family Affairs, I intend to meet with all partners and agencies that have something to do in supporting and protecting the family. From then on, we will see how we move forward in tackling the different social ills affecting the families," said Minister Simeon following the swearing-in ceremony.