1 Prime Minister Nicholas Brathwaite, who led an interim government after American-led forces ousted left-wing rulers in 1983, stepped down from power Wednesday in favor of a longtime associate.
2 Agriculture Minister George Brizan took the oath of office from Governor General Sir Reginald Palmer to run this Caribbean nation of 95,000 people.
3 The transfer was regarded as an attempt to boost the election bid of Brizan, 51, a former teacher and economist. A vote is due by April 6.
4 Brathwaite, 69, also a former teacher, told The Associated Press he was retaining his parliamentary seat from the outlying island of Carriacou but would not take on any Cabinet duties.
5 'I am having two months which I consider to be set aside for complete relaxation,' Brathwaite said in an interview. He said he had wanted to complete this year's budget, presented Jan. 19, and wrap up a series of echnomic reforms before leaving office.
6 Brathwaite said last summer he wouldn't seek re-election and in September, his governing National Democratic Congress party picked Brizan as his successor.
7 Brathwaite was appointed head of the interim government after U.S. and Caribbean troops invaded in October 1983 to oust a left-wing clique that had slain elected Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. He guided the nation to general elections in December 1984.
8 At Brizan's urging, Brathwaite later joined the opposition National Democratic Party and became its political leader in 1989.

Agriculture Minister George Brizan took the oath of office from Governor General Sir Reginald Palmer to run this Caribbean nation of 95 , 000 people .
95 , 000 people
which nation is that?