Arthur Williams, the former minister of state in the Ministry of National Security, is now a state minister in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.

Williams' transfer comes effect today.

In a statement yes-terday, Jamaica House said Williams would have responsibility for the day-to-day matters affecting public-sector workers.

That portfolio was left vacant by Senator Dwight Nelson, who was transferred from that ministry to head the Ministry of National Security following the resignation of Senator Trevor MacMillan.

Williams' transfer comes days after Opposition Spokesman on Finance Dr Omar Davies advised the Government, during his presentation in the 2009-2010 Budget Debate, to give more support to Finance Minister Audley Shaw to iron out the Government's ongoing wage disputes with civil servants.

Williams, who spoke with The Gleaner yesterday evening, said he was prepared to face the challenges of his new portfolio.

"It will be a matter of carrying the Government's interest and carrying it in a manner that people will understand and respect," he said.

Shaw says he welcomes Williams to the ministry and is confident that the minister will perform creditably in his new role.

"The departure of Senator Nelson has left a void and Minister Williams is able and very capable and I am quite confident that he will do a good job in that portfolio," Shaw told The Gleaner yesterday.