Some sector leaders yesterday commented on Bruce Golding's selections for the first Jamaica Labour Party Cabinet since 1989.

Here are some of the views that were put forward.

On Karl Samuda being named Minister of Industry and Commerce

Omar Azan, president Jamaica Manufacturers' Association: "Mr. Samuda is a man for manufacturers and the association is looking forward to working along with him and his government in helping Jamaica's manufacturers to be more in the forefront of nation building through production and job creation."

Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, chief executive officer, Jamaica Employers' Federation: "Mr. Samuda has experience in that area, served in that capacity (as Minister of Industry) years ago. He does have some experience of industry and commerce, (knows) how to drive productivity, and we look forward to working with him to expand the landscape of Jamaica's labour market to drive investment in our economy.

On Audley Shaw, Minister of Finance and Public Service and Don Wehby, appointed Minister without portfolio within that Ministry:

Azan: "Coming from a manufacturing sector in terms of being deputy chief executive officer at GraceKennedy Limited, Mr. Wehby will greatly assist Mr. Shaw and should make his life a lot easier in getting things approved to get things forward. The JMA is all about job creation, so we will be working closely with the ministers.

On Rudyard Spencer, Minister of Health and Environment

Retired nurse and Nurses' Association of Jamaica committee member (who did not want to disclose her name): "We don't know who he is. Why him? What is his background in health? All we know is that he is a trade unionist. Several nurses called today (yesterday) to find out who he is 'cause they have never heard of him before."

On Pearnel Charles, Minister of Labour and Social Security

Mrs. Coke-Lloyd: "The whole Cabinet gets a favourable rating. It is a reflection of those in public service, partnership, mixed with youth and gender. Mr. Charles has experience in labour, not only as a trade unionist, but also as a businessman. He possesses experience on both sides of the coin."

On Andrew Holness, Minister of Education

Mrs. Coke-Lloyd: "He understands the needs of employers and we would be working closely with him. All we ask for is accountability."

On Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Agriculture:

Norman Grant, president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society: "We are willing to work with the minister. We were also impressed with the Jamaica Labour Party's mandate for agriculture that was outlined in its manifesto. We further wish to place on record the JAS' commitmentto work with the government in the interest of the continuous advancement of the farmers, the agricultural sector, rural Jamaica with our farm families, and by extension, the Jamaican economy.

PM The Honourable Bruce Golding announces the following Cabinet appointments:

Prime Minister, Planning & Development, Defence - Bruce Golding

Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade - Dr Kenneth Baugh

Minister of Finance & the Public Service - Audley Shaw

Minister of National Security - Derrick Smith

Attorney-General & Minister of Justice - Dorothy Lightbourne

Minister of Education - Andrew Holness

Minister of Industry & Commerce - Karl Samuda

Minister of Tourism - Edmund Bartlett

Minister of Agriculture - Dr Christopher Tufton

Minister of Energy, Mining & Telecommunications - Clive Mullings

Minister of Water & Housing - Dr Horace Chang

Minister of Labour & Social Security - Pearnel Charles

Minister of Health & Environment - Rudyard Spencer

Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports - Olivia Grange

Minister of Transport & Works - Michael Henry

Minister without Portfolio (Office of the Prime Minister) - James Robertson

Minister without Portfolio (Ministry of Finance & the Public Service) - Don Wehby

Minister without Portfolio (Ministry of Finance & the Public Service) - Dwight Nelson

Delroy Chuck will be nominated as Speaker of the House.