Eight years after he joined the PNM, attorney Randall Mitchell has already replaced two of the PNM’s biggest stalwarts and is now holding one of the top frontline ministerial portfolios in T&T- the Ministry of Housing.
Despite his brief political career, Mitchell remains confident that he has the skills to juggle both his constituency and the housing ministry.
In an interview yesterday, Mitchell said he was very grateful to Prime Minister Keith Rowley for the chance to serve T&T.
“I feel I have earned his confidence. What is most important at this time is the people of T&T and the implementation of a housing policy,” Mitchell said.
Asked what he planned to do to revolutionise housing in T&T, Mitchell said he has not yet been fully briefed about the housing portfolio but will make a statement on this next week.
Praising his predecessor, Mitchell said, “Ms McDonald laid an incredible foundation so I will follow on with our housing policy which the Prime Minister has enunciated.”
Asked whether he anticipated problems in juggling his constituency obligations and the ministry, Mitchell said he did not forsee any problems as his Public Administration ministry had more units than the Housing Ministry. Saying there is a huge demand for safe and affordable housing, Mitchell said the provision of improved housing will play a part in stimulating the economy.
The 36-year-old newcomer has replaced long serving PNMites. In 2015, Mitchell replaced former Prime Minister Patrick Manning when he was appointed as the PNM representative for San Fernando East constituency.