October 6, 1997 - Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, is pleased to announce that with effect from Wednesday October 1, 1997, the portfolio of Offshore Financial Services, is added to those currently held by Hon. Phillip J. Pierre, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation.

In more news from the Prime Minister's Office, Hon. Anthony Torrence has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment.

In its continued efforts aimed at maximizing the efficiency of the Public Service, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the creation of a Ministry of Finance and Planning. This ministry will be under the direction of Mr. Bernard La Corbiniere.

The new Permanent Secretary holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science, from the University of Kent.

Additionally, Mr. La Corbiniere, who served as Saint Lucia's Director of Finance between 1989 and 1992, recently completed a period of studying leading to a Doctoral Degree in Economics, at the University of Kent.

Mr. La Corbiniere's appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning is effective from Wednesday October 1, 1997.