Honorable Charry Napto , Member for Nissan was sworn in as the new minister last week Friday to take on the responsibility following the death of Late Raymond Masono last month.

Honorable Napto brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from the public service in his time as a district administrator serving in various districts on Bougainville and is also an experienced politician as a second term member of Parliament and a former Minister in the previous government.

President Honorable Ishmael Toroama who was present to witness the swearing in paid tribute to the former Minister , acknowledging the Late Minister’s contributions to Bougainville.

“I express my gratitude to the family of Late Raymond Masono and the people of Atolls for his tremendous contribution to the Ministry and Department of Health as well as his contributions to Bougainville in general over the last forty years."

President Toroama said though we were saddened by his untimely passing, we still have responsibilities to continue to serve the people of Bougainville.

“In order to honor the memory of the Late Minister we must continue to do the work he has done in the health sector and ensure continuity in the government and the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC). I now take this opportunity to congratulate Honorable Charry Napto as the new Minister for Health,” he declared.

“You have been appointed to continue the duties of the Health Ministry portfolio that was rendered vacant upon the untimely passing of the Late Hon. Raymond Masono. I trust you will undertake your new role with commitment and integrity,” he said.

President Toroama called on the new Minister to work in the best interest of Bougainville.

“My expectation of you is simple; apart from your ministerial role you are also expected to uphold policies and decisions by the cabinet so that they can be implemented in the best interest of Bougainville,” he said.

Mr. Toroama further reiterated that Bougainville still faces problems with the health care system that can be improved and had faith in the new minister to do his best with his experience.

“I believe your wavering commitment to the Bougainville Independence Mission will allow you to bring our health department to new heights,” he said.

Honorable Charry Napto also paid tribute to the Late Raymond Masono describing him as an experienced leader who served with humility and will be missed for his contributions in Bougainville.

“Late Masono was a great leader and his passing has left a vacuum and I will do my best to carry on where he has left in the Ministry,” he said.

Minister Napto also thanked the President for having the trust and confidence in the Nissan/Atolls Region in according this Ministry. He said that he would do his best to ensure that they work to support the Toroama/Nisira government towards achieving Bougainville’s independence.

“I will do my utmost best to serve the people of Bougainville and the experience I have had will help to shape the Health, Disaster and Climate Change projects and programs in Bougainville,” Mr. Napto said.

Senior Magistrate Luke Keria officiated at the swearing in ceremony, witnessed by the President and the members of the BEC.

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