Sports boss to be in soon

By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi • 26 April 2024, 8:00PM

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation will soon have someone at the helm of the new ministry after receiving the endorsement from the Cabinet.

This was confirmed by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell in an exclusive interview with this newspaper on Friday.

This revelation marks a significant milestone in the ministry's journey towards enhancing its operational structure and fulfilling its mandate.

Laumatiamanu disclosed that the Cabinet has already given its endorsement and approval for the necessary vacancies required to staff the newly established Ministry of Sports and Recreation, with the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) being a pivotal position among them.

He said the positions would be advertised soon and that a C.E.O. should be appointed in three months.

Since its establishment last year, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has been operating from within the Ministry of Education and Culture headquarters in Malifa.

Minister Laumatiamanu highlighted the challenges posed by this arrangement, emphasizing the need for dedicated infrastructure and personnel to effectively carry out the ministry's functions.

Moreover, the absence of a designated C.E.O. has led to operational inefficiencies, with the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Education and Culture concurrently serving both ministries.

The appointment of a C.E.O. for the Ministry of Sports and Recreation is anticipated to streamline administrative processes, enhance strategic planning, and foster greater collaboration with stakeholders at national and international levels.

According to Laumatiamanu, the policy to mandate the operations of the ministry is nearing completion.

He revealed that the operations of the ministry will officially start in July of this year once their budget is approved.

He confirmed that they are finalising the budget for the ministry and that it will be included in the main budget expected to be tabled in parliament in June of this year.

Once that's done, Laumatiamanu said the ministry will then carry out it's roles and responsibilities.

Despite this, Laumatiamanu said things have been flowing smoothly so far and he is looking forward to the appointment of people to the vacancies they will be appointing.