RESHUFFLE TO CONSOLIDATE POLITICAL STABILITY; SAYS PRIME MINISTER JAMES MARAPE
The Sunday Bulletin | Thursday 1st October, 2020
PRIME Minister James Marape says his Government has done mini cabinet reshuffle today to consolidate Political stability and deliver key Government policy priorities
“Today I announce changes to the Cabinet that will consolidate stability, enhance leadership at the political level to drive key policy priorities of the Government and which capitalize on the skills and capabilities of individual ministers,” Marape said.
Changes to the Ministry are:
- Hon. Sam Basil, MP will become Deputy Prime Minister, whilst retaining his existing portfolio for National Planning;
- Hon. Jelta Wong, MP will become Minister for Civil Aviation;
- Hon. Sir Puka Temu, MP will become Minister for Health, drawing on his considerable medical background;
- Hon. William Onglo will become Minister for Energy, a new critical ministry that will coordinate the development and implementation of benchmark policies to deliver power to our villages, regions, towns and cities;
- Hon. Leka Gure, MP will move from Civil Aviation to become Minister for Labour and Employment; and
- Hon. Walter Schnaubelt, MP will become Minister for Culture, Tourism and the National Museum.
The Prime Minister said the two Ministers decommissioned are: Hon. Jeffrey Kama, MP, Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations and Hon. Emil Tammur MP Minister for Culture, Tourism and the National Museum.
He said both have been consulted and graciously offered to step down to concentrate on their respective electoral duties.
“I thank both Mr Kama and Mr Tammur for their service to the Government.”
“Under the changes, I will personally assume responsibility for Bougainville Affairs.
I consider this appropriate as we enter critical consultations on the next step of the Bougainville peace process,” Marape said.
The Hon. Davis Steven, MP will continue as Minister for Justice and Attorney General.
“I thank him for his contribution as Deputy Prime Minister over the past 16 months.”
Marape said Minister Steven will also continue to play a critical role as Chairman of the Social, Law and Order Ministerial Committee.
“These changes draw on the substantial capabilities within our Government. They come at a critical time where our nation faces great challenges from the economic shock caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He said the changes also adhere to a ratio of three to one in the allocation of ministries against party representation, and this has been a key factor in my decision making.
The Prime Minister congratulate all Ministers on their new roles and have confidence that we have in place a team that will deliver effective policy outcomes and secure the future of our nation.
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