Momis appoints ministers

PRESIDENT of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville John Momis yesterday appointed his 14-member cabinet, ensuring all three regions of the island were represented fairly, The National reports,

In the allocations, five ministries went to North Bougainville, four to Central Bougainville and four to South Bougainville.

Momis kept the inter-government affairs and autonomy implementation portfolio to himself and gave away the finance, planning and treasury ministry to Albert Punghau, the new member for Motuna Huyono in Siwai.

Second term member Wilfred Komba, member for Konnou , was appointed minister for trade and industry, while Newton Kauva, the new member for Makis, was appointed minister for peace, reconciliation and weapons disposal, a key portfolio in the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

Nicholas Darku, the new member for North Nasioi in Central Bougainville, was appointed minister for primary industry and marine resources, while Joseph Egilio is minister for culture and tourism.

Central ex-combatants representative David Sisito was appointed minister for veteran affairs and new member for Ioro, Michael Oni, is minister for natural resources.

Member for Tinputz Taunita is minister for works, transport and communications, while Teua member Joseph Nopei is the minister for local-level government and traditional authority.

Former regional member for Bougainville, Leo Hannet was appointed minister for public service, law and justice which covers CIS and police.

Vice president Patrick Nisira takes up the health ministry, while member for Mahari, John Tabinaman is minister for education.

The only female member given a ministerial portfolio was Joan Jerome, women member for Central, who is the minister for community, women and youth.

Momis’ cabinet was sworn in last night by chief magistrate Peter Toliken.

On the inclusion of the former president James Tanis in the Bougainville administration, Momis said it was up to the former president to approach them.