The most popular candidate in this year’s snap election in Vanuatu, Jack Norris, who scored 2070 votes, has been appointed the new Minister for Sports and Youth Development.
The Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) MP for Efate Rural, was appointed by Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas in a ceremony at the PM’s office late yesterday afternoon.
Minister Norris replaces Nato Taiwia, who vacated the position, after a court order nullified his election as MP.
One of the most demanding tasks of the new minister is to address the increasing number of unemployed youths.
Prime Minister Tabimasmas said Sports and Youth Development has a very important role to play because it caters for a large portion of Vanuatu’s population.
He said the issue of unemployment is in the 100-day plan of the government and urged the minister to seriously address, and that all means must be exploited to address it.
Another major challenge for the new minister is to ensure sports facilities are completed in time for the upcoming South Pacific Mini Games later this year.
Prime Minister Salwai said Minister Norris has but a short time to ensure all necessary preparations are taken care off.