Friday 18 October 2024
Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, with seven new Vice- Ministers after the swearing-in-ceremony at Government House today.
Seven new Parliamentary Secretaries were sworn in as Vice-Ministers of State before Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae at Government House this afternoon.
They are:
– Hon. Daniel Tindipu (Komo-Hulia) – Vice-Minister for National Planning
– Hon. Sam Basil Jnr (Bulolo) – Vice-Minister for Mining, assisting the Prime Minister in Sports
– Hon. Agena Gamai (Delta-Fly) – Vice-Minister for Forests
– Hon. Jacob Maki (Mul-Baiyer) – Vice-Minister for Police
– Hon. David Arore (Ijivitari) – Vice-Minister for Finance
– Hon. Alexander Orme (Sumkar) – Vice-Minister for Petroleum
– Hon. Francis Alua (Karamui-Nomane) – Vice-Minister for Justice and AttorneyGeneral
The Vice Ministers recited the Declaration of Office and Declaration of Loyalty to the state.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, who was also present during the swearing-in-ceremony, commended the vice ministers and described their appointments as crucial during this period when significant work needs to be carried out by the Government to serve the people of Papua New Guinea.
He assured that the Vice-Ministers are ready, able, and available to step into their roles and, more importantly, get the work done in the agencies of State assigned to them, and the entire clockwork of the Government machinery.
“There is no college for Members of Parliament or State Ministers to go to in order to progress in their political careers.
“I speak from experience as a former ViceMinister, later Minister of State, and eventually Prime Minister. Many MPs in our Parliament, who were once Vice-Ministers, went on to become Ministers of Government.
“These appointments are vital for our country, as they assist the Ministers of Government in delivering expected outcomes.”
Prime Minister Marape emphasised that this initiative is part of the Government’s efforts to cultivate the next generation of leadership for Papua New Guinea.
“We aim to create a breeding ground for future leaders who will help guide the country forward.
The Government will work closely with them as they develop their leadership skills,” he said.
The Prime Minister also noted that the newly appointed Vice-Ministers are mostly first-time MPs.
It is expected that Hon. Peter Isoaimo, Member for Kairuku, will be sworn as Vice Minister for Works, in due course.