PM to appoint new Minister of Trade and Commerce on his return from New York

September 26, 2024 9:39 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Terence Malapa.

Today marks one week since Bob Loughman, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Tanna, was removed from his position as Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Tourism, Industry, and Ni-Vanuatu Business Development.

Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai signed the Instrument of Removal of Minister Order No. 145 of 2024 on Friday, 20 September, removing Loughman, the former President of Vanua’aku Pati (VP).

The reasons for Loughman’s removal remain unclear, but political insiders within the coalition government suggest it followed a letter issued by Loughman stating his intention to instigate legal proceedings regarding the VP Malo Congress that elected a new VP executive, headed by the current Acting Prime Minister (PM) and Minister of Finance, Johnny Koanapo.

PM Salwai appointed Loughman to this ministerial position on 6 October after being elected as Prime Minister, ousting former PM Sato Kilman.

The vacant position was allocated to VP and will remain unfilled until PM Salwai returns to the country and appoints another minister to the same portfolio.

Fred Samuel, the newly appointed VP Secretary General (SG), said the party has not yet decided who will replace Loughman.

“The party national executive will have to meet and decide who will take up the vacant position,” said VP SG Samuel.

Political analysts told Daily Post that it would be good for a VP MP from Malekula to take up the position, as that particular island currently has no ministerial portfolio.

PM Salwai is expected to return to the country on 11 October.

Acting PM and Minister of Finance Koanapo is the acting Minister of Trade.