PHOTO: Trinidad and Tobago's new minister of tourism, Gerald Hadeed. (Courtesy of Trinidad and Tobago parliament)

Gerald Hadeed has been named minister of tourism for Trinidad and Tobago by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the country’s prime minister effective immediately. Hadeed succeeds Chandresh Sharma, who resigned on March 31 amidst local allegations of assault.

Hadeed, a member of the country’s parliament and a former minister of communications, will oversee the “development and execution of tourism development initiatives,” according to a government statement, and promote the dual-island destination in the international marketplace.

Hadeed has also previously served as chairman of the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, and as CEO of Trinidad-based Beacon Insurance. Hadeed has held posts on several Trinidad corporate boards, including the board of the National Gas Company.