Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, welcomed the new Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council, Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu.
In his welcome remarks yesterday (4/01/21), Prime Minister Marape said the abolishing of the Chief Secretary to Government’s position and replacing it with a Secretary position was to maintain a flatter Government structure without compromising the integrity of the process of policy making and their implementation for Cabinet to deliberate on.
“This does not mean this Department has lost its standing as the premium Department of the Government.
“Hence, Secretary of this Department still remains the Chairman of the Central Agency and Coordination Committee.
“However, other departmental heads may now be able to report directly to their respective Ministers,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He further acknowledged the outgoing and last Chief Secretary to Government, Ambassador Isaac Lupari, for his service to the governments over the years and of our country.
“The outgoing and last Chief Secretary to Government did not apply for this Secretary position, for his own reasons, but this Government expresses our greatest gratitude for his services to our country, not only as the Chief Secretary to Government but as Secretary to various departments in his previous capacities,” Prime Minister Marape said.
In thanking Prime Minister Marape and the senior public servants of his Department, for the warm welcome, Secretary Pomaleu said he was humbled for being given the opportunity to head this Department and looked forward to working with and learning from everyone during his tenure.
“I also look forward to using the Office of the Secretary to empower our agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sectors throughout our country.
“I appreciate the experience all of you bring to the table and I look forward to working with you all throughout my tenure,” Secretary Pomaleu said.
In the same sentiment, Secretary Pomaleu also thanked Amb. Lupari as the former Chief Secretary to Government who led this Department and many other departments with high esteem.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Marape then thanked the Department staff for their ongoing efforts thus far, since taking Office as the Prime Minister.
He encouraged everyone to continue their ongoing efforts in restoring this Department to its place as the premium Department of the Government.
