by Linda Straker
- Roland Bhola replaced former Government Senator Kim George
- Senator Victor Phillip received his instruments of appointment on 29 September 2021 via Zoom
- Bhola to be next Director of Post at the Grenada Postal Corporation
10 months after replacing former Government Senator Kim George in the Upper House of Parliament, Roland Bhola has had his senatorial appointment revoked. He will be replaced by Senator Victor Phillip.
Approximately 72 hours before the ceremonial state opening of the 5th Session of the 10th Parliament, on Wednesday, 13 October 2021, Bhola said, “I can confirm to you that my appointment as a Senator was revoked and I will be replaced by Victor Phillip.”
The Ceremonial State opening will take the form of a Joint Sitting of both the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament and the highlight will be the presentation of traditional throne speech by Governor-General, Dame Cécile La Grenade.
The speech will outline to citizens the plans, projects, and Initiatives of Government for the upcoming Parliamentary year. It will lay the foundation and pave the way for the annual budget presentation which will be done by Gregory Bowen, Minister for Finance in late November or early December 2021.
Bhola who had previously served as the Member of Parliament for St Andrew North East Constituency had received his instrument of appointment to serve as a senator on 2 December 2020 from Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade. He took the oath of office as a Senator on December 15. At the time of taking office, he had indicated that his stay will be short-term in the 13-member Upper House.
Senator Phillip received his instruments of appointment on 29 September 2021 and is the first Member of Parliament who was sworn into office by use of video conferencing with the use of the Zoom platform.
He will be taking his oath of office as a Senator as part of the procedure of the Ceremonial State opening. He is currently serving as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education with specific responsibility for the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC).
It is understood that Bhola will be taking up the position of Director of Post at the Grenada Postal Corporation because Isaac Bhagwan, the current holder of the position, will be returning to the Ministry of Finance.