Mr. Cartey served as Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs during the 2nd Republican Parliament (1981 to 1986) under Prime Minister George Michael Chambers. He was at that time the Member for Laventille, having first been appointed to the Senate in in 1976, where he served as Minister of Labour, Social Services and Cooperatives.

Mr. Cartey passed away on March 11, 2014. Tributes were paid to him in the House of Representatives on March 14, 2014 by Hon. Dr. Roodal Moonilal, MP, Leader of the House and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Marlene Mc Donald, MP, Opposition Chief Whip, and Hon. Wade Mark, MP, Speaker of the House.

(Photograph from the Trinidad Guardian - 4 January 1981, pg. 4)