To ensure the stability of his coalition, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has reshuffled his cabinet.
His line up includes Sam Basil, the leader of the United Labour Party and MP, who is now the new deputy prime minister and Minister for Planning and Implementation and Walter Schnaubelt who replaces Emil Tamur as Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The line up also includes Sir Puka Temu, now the Health Minister, who replaces Jelta Wong while the latter takes over his position to oversee Civil Aviation.
While Lekwa Gure is the new Minister for Labour, Davis Steven remains as Justice and Attorney General. Davis was dumped as the deputy prime minister.
Mr. Marape also takes an active role as Sir Puka’s Bougainville Affairs portfolio while Willie Onguglo holds a new position - as the Minister for Energy.
“These changes draw on the substantial capabilities within our Government,” said Mr. Marape in a news release. “They come at a critical time where our nation faces great challenges from the economic shock caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. The changes also adhere to a ratio of three to one in the allocation of ministries against party representation, and this has been a key factor in my decision making.”
