Former Coffee Minister William Bando has accepted his removal from the Coffee portfolio following the recent Cabinet reshuffle, saying he respects Prime Minister James Marape’s decision and remains committed to serving the country as the new Minister for Immigration.
In a statement yesterday, Mr. Bando said the allocation of ministerial portfolios is the constitutional prerogative of the Prime Minister and should not be interpreted as a sign of disagreement.
“This transition is a normal part of Government business and should not be viewed as a sign of disagreement,” he said.
Mr. Bando thanked the Board and Management of the National Coffee Authority (formerly the Coffee Industry Corporation Limited), industry stakeholders and coffee farmers for their support during his tenure.
He said Papua New Guinea’s record production of 1.3 million bags of coffee was the result of a collective effort involving growers, factory owners, exporters, industry stakeholders and the authority’s board and management.
“The unprecedented record production levels of 1.3 million bags of coffee was not the achievement of one individual or one institution. It was the result of a collective effort by everyone across the coffee value chain,” he said.
Mr. Bando said his priority throughout his time as minister was improving the livelihoods of the estimated 450,000 families involved in Papua New Guinea’s Arabica and Robusta coffee industry.
He said the National Coffee Authority Act was developed to ensure assistance such as price support, freight subsidies, grants and rehabilitation programmes reached farmers directly.
As he leaves the portfolio, Mr. Bando urged the continued implementation of the Green Gold Card mechanism under the National Coffee Authority Act to ensure direct support reaches growers at the farm level.
He also congratulated Miki Kaeok on his appointment as the new Coffee Minister and pledged his full support for a smooth transition.
“I congratulate Hon. Miki Kaeok on taking up the Coffee portfolio and wish him every success. I stand ready to support a smooth handover for the benefit of the industry and the thousands of families who depend on coffee,” he said.
Mr Bando said he now looks forward to serving Papua New Guinea in his new role as Minister for Immigration under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape.