Julian Francis demits office, will be replaced by professional planner

A new member of government will be sworn in this morning as senator and minister to replace Julian Francis, who demitted office on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves on NBC Radio this morning described the new minister as “a young 33-year-old professional woman”. SEARCHLIGHT has confirmed that she is Benarva Browne, a development consultant.

Gonsalves said the new minister will have responsibility for Urban Development, Energy, Seaports, Grenadines Affairs and Local Government, which previously fell under Francis’s portfolio.

The Prime Minister said he will assume responsibility for Airports, which was previously part of Francis’s ministry.

Francis, 72, fell ill on July 24, 2022 and has since then been recuperating from a stroke.

Gonsalves said Francis will be formally appointed as special advisor to the government from today.

The new senator and minister holds a master’s degree in Town and Country Planning (MPLAN) from the University of the West England (UWE), Bristol, United Kingdom (UK).