Francis Galia Maneke

Talasea MP confident in change

Maneke said even though his portfolio was removed, he is assured that West New Britain will be expecting more developments in the near future.

The Talasea MP said major projects in the district that have been neglected by previous leaders will now rejuvenated and given priority.

He stated that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has been asked to give priority to West New Britain as it is the only province that has contributed a lot to the government coffers from the oil palm industry.

Talasea MP eyes transformation

Maneke said the satellite towns have been factored into the 5-year District Development Plan and will be implemented.

“The emphasis on the plan is to empower communities and oil palm growers and citizens in the province as a whole to be able to start their own Small and Medium Enterprises.”

He said for so long, the district has been a spectator in the development of services and it’s about time the district partakes in the economic benefits of agriculture, especially oil palm.

​K5,000 for UPNG WNB students

The funds will help students organise the WNB Day tomorrow in Port Moresby.

Maneke said culture and tradition is the backbone of every society and supporting the students is a good gesture.

He encouraged the students to not forget their origins and make it their priority to pass it on to the next generation.

"Strengthening our culture and traditional rituals are very important in our lives.

"Without our culture, we wouldn't know our existence,” Maneke stated.

Maneke takes over Communication portfolio

The handover ceremony was at the National Broadcasting Commission headquarters in Port Moresby today, witnessed by NBC staff, partners and stakeholders in the sector.

Making it official, Miringtoro presented Maneke a report entailing a brief of outstanding matters or Work in Progress (WIP) which he, as the new minister will take on, in accordance with the priorities and agenda of the current government.

One urgent need, Miringtoro said, was the proper establishment of the department, as it still exists as “Office of information” properly articulating its functions.

WNB leaders encouraged to work together

Kandrian Gloucester MP Joseph Lelang was not present to be sworn in with the two leaders.

Making their declarations of loyalty to serve the people of West New Britain, the leaders have committed to serve the people wholeheartedly and bring services to them.

Governor Muthuvel said team work is needed by the leaders in order for the people to get the basic services.

He called on other provincial leaders to put away their differences and move the province forward.

WNB leaders welcomed home

The Nakanai tribe along with other tribes were dressed in their traditional outfits to welcome the two members as they stepped out of the plane.

Hoskins airport was filled to capacity as the people gathered to welcome the two leaders.

Maneke had been sworn - in as a Minister of state on Wednesday by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae at the Government House in Port Moresby.

He was the first MP from the province to be elected and to be given a ministry straight after the elections.

From a party leader to a Minister

Maneke was sworn-in on Wednesday as the Minister for Communication and Information Technology.

Prior to this, Maneke was also appointed as the leader of the Our Development Party as he was the only member from that party in Parliament.

He unseated former Talasea MP and Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Francis Marus.

Manase, a successful businessman, owns a construction company known as Kaulong Estates.

ENB MPs sworn in as Ministers

The leaders were sworn in by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae today at the Government House in Port Moresby.

The sworn-in Ministers included Kokopo MP Emil Tammur as Culture and Tourism Minister, Gazelle MP Jelta Wong as Police Minister and Pomio MP Elias Kapavore as the Public Service Minister.

The leaders told Loop PNG that their move to the Government is for the benefit of the province and not for their personal gain.

Minister Tammur and Minister Wong said criticisms by people from ENB are only from a minority.

Maneke is MP elect for Talasea

At the 31st exclusion for the Talasea Open, Maneke polled above the Absolute majority of 17,439 and declared winner over runner up and outgoing MP Francis Marus who polled 15,796.

Galia collected 19,081 votes to seal the victory.

He was declared on Sunday and officially signed the writ.

Meanwhile, Sasindran Muthuvel retained the Provincial seat as well as Joseph Lelang for the Kandrian Gloucester seat.

 

Picture: Governor Sasindran Muthuvel with Talasea MP elect Francis Galia Maneke