Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has congratulated Hon. Gidron Maso Karipe, Porgera-Paiela MP, and Hon. Vincent Kumura, Usino-Bundi MP, on their Appointments as Vice Ministers, saying the Appointments are part of his commitment to mentoring and preparing the next generation of Papua New Guinean Leaders.
Hon. Karipe was sworn in as Vice-Minister for Petroleum, while Hon. Kumura was sworn in as Vice-Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, in the presence of Governor-General His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae at Government House, Konedobu, this morning. Speaking at a Press Conference following the occasion, Prime Minister Marape said it was fitting that the Appointments took place on 17 September—the first day after Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary—as the country returned to the work of building its future. “Sixteenth of September is a pause for us to reflect on where we have come and what we have done, and also a bridge into 17th of September—that is a bridge to the next year of work and onwards into our journey as a nation,” Prime Minister Marape said. “As I said on Independence Hill yesterday, the main message was ‘Work’. All of us must work.” Prime Minister Marape said the generation that led Papua New Guinea into Independence had done its part, and the responsibility now rested with today’s generation to work, mentor younger Papua New Guineans and prepare future leaders. “As far as my work is concerned, I’m leading and breeding the next generation to step into Leadership,” he said.
He said Vice Ministerial Appointments should not be viewed simply as additional Government positions, but as important opportunities for younger Elected Leaders to gain practical exposure to National Government, Policy and Administration. “Vice Ministry Appointments are important training grounds for Ministers-to-be and for people in the Elected Offices of our country. I myself, in 2007 and the early part of 2008, was a Vice-Minister. It’s an important breeding ground for the step up to the next level.” Prime Minister Marape said both Vice-Ministers were educated and capable young Leaders who would benefit from exposure to areas of Government outside their immediate electoral backgrounds. Although both MPs represent Electorates associated with Mining, the Prime Minister said he deliberately assigned them responsibilities beyond Mining to broaden their knowledge and experience of Government. Hon. Karipe will assist the Petroleum portfolio at an important period for Papua New Guinea’s Oil and Gas Sector, while Hon. Kumura will work directly with the Office of the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Marape also reflected on the circumstances through which both Leaders entered Parliament following By-Elections after the passing of their predecessors. He said every available opportunity should be used to transfer experience and knowledge to Emerging Leaders. “Some may say, what’s the relevance of this, only months before the next Election? But every time that we can find to pass experience, mentorship and guidance to the next generation, we must. Because certainly, as I am today, there is a certain time I will be out tomorrow. It is the business of those of us above 50 years to mentor the next generation.” Prime Minister Marape said this principle went beyond politics and should be embraced throughout Papua New Guinean society.
He called on older Papua New Guineans to mentor those coming behind them, those aged between 25 and 50 to become actively engaged in productive work, and young Papua New Guineans to remain committed to Education. “Older generation, mentor the younger generation. And the youngest generation, under 25, just remain in school. Together, each of us work to build a better country going forward.”
Prime Minister Marape congratulated Vice-Minister Karipe and Vice-Minister Kumura and wished them well as they begin their new responsibilities.