He will be under the Prime Minister’s watchful eye as he is assigned to the Prime Minister’s Office.

His appointment comes almost three years after being first elected as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly - a role he says he is thankful for. This position had been left vacant for over five [5] five years during the Allen Chastanet Administration, which some argue was a breach of the constitution. In 2023, Prime Minister Pierre, with his two-thirds majority tightened this ambiguity in the Constitution to ensure that the House would always have a Deputy Speaker.

Despite his elation, Norbert says the post will not be an easy one.

“There will be hurdles, there will be difficult times, but I am confident that with determination, with the perseverance, we will overcome any obstacles that may arise. And I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the hardworking staff of the various ministries. Together, we will tackle the task before us with boldness, with innovation, striving to make sure a better and safer place for all its citizens,” the newly-minted Minister stated in his address.

Describing himself as a differently-abled person, Norbert expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for officially including the community in the policy framework of his administration.

“I want to commend our Prime Minister again for his groundbreaking initiative, particularly the establishment of a designated desk and a Minister for Persons with Disabilities. Thank you,” Norbert said.

Minister Norbert’s first order of business is to meet with various social groups to develop an action plan to tackle crime. A former police officer, Norbert is considered well-poised to assume this role.