PNG's Koroba Kopiago MP William Bando thanks coffee industry after leaving ministerial role

Outgoing PNG Coffee Minister William Bando has thanked the country's coffee industry for its support after being reassigned in the latest Cabinet reshuffle, saying he is honoured to continue serving the nation as Minister for Immigration.

Mr Bando said the change in responsibilities was made under the Prime Minister's constitutional authority and should be regarded as a normal government process rather than an indication of disagreements within Cabinet.

 PNG's  Koroba Kopiago MP William Bando thanks coffee industry after leaving ministerial role

In his statement yesterday, Mr Bando acknowledged the contribution of the National Coffee Authority's board, management, exporters, processors, factory owners and hundreds of thousands of coffee growers across the country.

He said the industry's achievement of producing a record 1.3 million bags of coffee reflected the hard work of everyone involved throughout the production chain.

Mr Bando said one of his key priorities while leading the Coffee Ministry was to improve the livelihoods of around 450,000 Papua New Guinean households dependent on Arabica and Robusta coffee farming.

He said the National Coffee Authority Act was introduced to strengthen the delivery of government support, including grants, rehabilitation assistance, freight subsidies and price support directly to farmers.

As he hands over the ministry, Mr Bando called for the Green Gold Card mechanism to continue so growers could benefit directly from government assistance.

He also wished incoming Coffee Minister Miki Kaeok well and said he would assist in ensuring an orderly transition before concentrating on his new Immigration portfolio.

“This transition is a normal part of Government business and should not be viewed as a sign of disagreement.”

“The unprecedented record production levels of 1.3 million bags of coffee was not the achievement of one individual or one institution. It was the result of a collective effort by everyone across the coffee value chain.”

“I congratulate Hon. Miki Kaeok on taking up the Coffee portfolio and wish him every success. I stand ready to support a smooth handover for the benefit of the industry and the thousands of families who depend on coffee.”