Port Vila, 13-02-2025 – The newly appointed Minister of Justice & Community Services, Hon. Job Andy, MP for Paama Constituency and Secretary General of the LPV Party, conducted his first official briefing with Director General Arthur Faerua on Wednesday, 12th and Thursday 13th February 2025.
Director General Arthur Faerua took this opportunity to briefed the Minister on the roles and functions of the Ministry of Justice and Community Services. It was also highlighted that the Ministry has officially changed its name to the Ministry of Justice, Youths, and Social Welfare, following a decision by the Council of Ministers last year to merge the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports with the Ministry of Justice and Community Services.
This is a significant because the Minister and DG met the staff of the Department of Youths and Sports and the National Sports Council for the first time under the new structure. The transition to the new Ministry of Justice, Sports, and Community Services marks a major shift.
The Minister was informed of the temporary relocation of the Ministry’s offices due to the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck on 17th December 2024. Hon. Job Andy expressed a preference for utilizing a government house for office space. Efforts are currently underway, with assistance from the Public Service Commission (PSC) Housing Unit, to identify a suitable location. Discussions are also exploring the possibility of using the Youth & Sports building near the MSG, alongside other options.
Mr. Faerua further outlined the role of the Cabinet and the positions available for appointment under the Official Salaries Act (OSA).
During the meeting, the Minister expressed his enthusiasm for assuming his new role. While acknowledging that he is new to the workings of the government, he is eager to collaborate with his team and continue advancing important initiatives in policy development, legislative progress, and capacity building within the sector.
Minister Job Andy expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work closely with the Ministry’s SCU Unit staff, Cabinet, agencies, and development partners. He emphasized that the newly elected Vanuatu government, which was confirmed in Parliament this week, has significant responsibilities and a duty to serve the best interests of the people and the country as a whole.
In closing, the Minister stressed the importance of putting aside politics and focusing on the task of rebuilding the nation following the challenges of recent political and natural disasters.
