By ZEBEDEE KUMPIO
PRIME Minister James Marape congratulated two Members of Parliament who were sworn in by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae as Government Ministers at Government House yesterday (Wednesday September 25th).
PM Marape accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and few of his state ministers, East New Britain (ENB) Governor, and Members of Parliament for both Jiwaka and ENB provinces, were present at Government House to witness the occasion.
Member for Jimi, Hon. Wake Goi, was elevated to the cabinet as the Minister for Mining, while Member for Pomio, Hon Elias Kapavore, took up the rank of Health Minister. This position had been left vacant following the resignation of former Health Minister and Wabag MP, Hon. Dr. Tom Lino, who decided to move to the Opposition.
Marape expressed his happiness in entrusting ministries to experienced hands, such as the two gentlemen, who not only served as ministers in previous governments but also had significant experience prior to joining politics.
“I want to place on record my sincerest appreciation for those who served earlier in these portfolios, especially the outgoing Health Minister and Member for Wabag, who did his utmost best in the portfolio,” PM Marape said.
“On behalf of the People’s Party and for all of us in the government, I want to announce to the people of PNG that he is being replaced by an equally qualified man who has strong experience in the health sector, Hon. Elias Kapavore, formerly the distinguished Chief Executive Officer of the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority.”
Marape said that under Kapavore’s leadership as CEO, the WSPHA became the top-ranking health authority, and Vanimo was the number one hospital nearly 10 years ago.
“Seeing the need to ensure that the PHAs are functioning well and complementing the overall government focus in the health sector, it was a collective and fair decision to give Hon. Kapavore this ministry,” the Prime Minister said.
He also addressed the Mining portfolio, noting that despite the ongoing court process involving the Member for Kundiawa, the Mining Ministry needed to be filled.
“Mining is an important sector, with the Porgera Community Benefit Sharing Agreement needing conclusion and the Wafi-Golpu project requiring progress. Hon Wake Goi, though soft-spoken, is a leader of high ethics and standards,” Marape said.
“He has strong experience from the ground up, and he has been a Minister before. Based on consultations to ensure a fair and beneficial share for the country in the mining sector, Hon. Goi was given this portfolio.”
