Yes he's still a minor character. He's not even a secondary character with any influence or specific role within the current plot.
I'm really not in the mood to discuss this again. lol.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
Just a few things off here. Rebecca is tied to her father not her country which she has clearly expressed that she doesn't give a shit about. And Cavendish isn't going to be a rival anymore. He had his beef with Luffy but it's pretty clear that he's gonna be an ally from now on.
What differentiates a side character from a minor character? What character's in this arc would you consider side character's?
And I do want you to explain, especially Bartolomeo.