By GINNAH MINI
THE outgoing Minister for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Timothy Masiu, has welcomed the incoming Minister for ICT, Member for Bogia Open, Robert Naguri, and has encouraged the staffs under the Ministry to work alongside with the new minister.
Speaking at the official Handover-Take-Over at the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Headquarters, in Port Moresby, Mr. Masiu has encouraged NBC, National ICT Authority (NICTA) and Department of ICT (DICT) to work alongside Mr. Naguri and provide proper advice to him.
“I challenge you all staffs from NBC and NICTA to work with our new minister,” Mr. Masiu said.
Mr. Masiu said that he has handed the corporate plans for NICTA, DICT and NBC, car keys and the Lagatoi Declaration over to Mr. Naguri.
He thanked the Prime Minister for giving him the minister and letting him look after the ministry while welcoming the new minister.
“I handover this ministry, knowing that you are a capable leader and a capable minister and that you will continue to connect our country,” Mr. Masiu said.
He said that the Ministry’s mission is to connect every province, school, village, health centers and business in the country and he encouraged the incoming minister to continue this mission.
The incoming minister, Mr. Naguri thanked Mr. Masiu for his work and contributions towards the Ministry for ICT.
Mr. Naguri acknowledged that the outgoing minister has done a lot for the ministry while noting that he cannot achieve what the Mr. Masiu has achieved in eight months.
He added that the prime minister has given him a long list of things he has to achieve, and that he has to sit with the departments under the ministry to sort out that list.
“I can’t do much in eight months; I’m not going to change anything,” he said while adding that the foundations of the ministry were already laid.
“With all the hard work that Mr Masiu has put into this department in the last six years; we will continue to uphold and we will strengthen as we go through,” he said.
Mr. Naguri encouraged the staffs of the three departments to work and contribute towards for a better future for the country and for the children of PNG.