Fijian born among 12 Ministers named in Vanuatu’s new Cabinet line up

Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas has appointed 12 ministers in his coalition government of 11 parties, the largest ever in Vanuatu history.

In a ceremony at the “Pig’s Tusk” at the parliament complex, where official parliamentary ceremonies took place, Salwai named his cabinet.

Joe Natuman, the acting president of the Vanua’aku Pati and longest serving member of parliament was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, commerce and ni-Vanuatu business.

His Vanua’aku Pati colleague and lawyer, Ronald Warsal, was appointed Minister for Justice. Warsal has been one of the two key Unity Front lawyers fighting and defending recent cases on behalf of the Unity Front for Change.

Longtime businessman and Nagriamel strongman, Gaeton Pikioune was appointed Minister of Finance. Pikioune, who hails from Santo, is serving his first term in parliament.

The Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities is Jotham Napat. Napat is a veteran public servant. He had served as acting director general of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities and as director general of Climate Change.

The Graon mo Jastis Pati was allocated two ministerial portfolios which were taken up by Ralph Regenvanu as Minister for Lands, and Alfred Maho taking the portfolio of Internal Affairs.

The National United Party was also allocated two portfolio. The party president, Ham Lini was appointed Minister for Climate Change while his colleague, former radio personality, Bruno Lengkon, was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The Luganville independent member and first timer in parliament, Seremaia Matai was awarded the portfolio of agriculture, Forestry and fisheries.  The Fijian born Matai is a businessman. He was adopted into the Maewoan business family that owned a fleet of vessels servicing the waters of Vanuatu.

The MP for Shepherds Outer islands, Daniel Toara of the Green Confederation was appointed Minister for Health.

Former sports sensation and Melanesian Progressive Party member for Efate, Nato Taiwia, was appointed Minister for Youth Development and Sports.

The appointments were witnessed by a crowd of supporters and diplomats.

SOURCE: VANUATU LOOP/