Duma calls PM ‘brother’

By JAMES GUMUNO
UNITED Resource Party leader William Duma regards Prime Minister James Marape as a “brother for life” after the latter apologised for not allocating a Cabinet portfolio to him.
“We call ourselves BFL – which means brothers for life,” Duma said.
Marape told the people gathered at Tambul station in Western Highlands last Friday that he was sorry he could not allocate any portfolio to Duma, the Mt Hagen MP who leads the third biggest party in the coalition Government.
Marape said there were only 32 ministerial positions which were all occupied.
Both men were in the Tambul/Nebilyer for the launching of the district’s integrated development plan.
Duma vowed his party’s commitment to Marape saying he was happy to stay on the sideline and support his leadership.
He said politics could be ruthless and tough.
Alotau MP Charles Abel thanked Marape for allowing him to stay in Cabinet following the ousting of the government led by Peter O’Neill.
He said it was time to put aside political differences and support Marape in implementing his policies. Abel said the Marape-led Government would continue to support developments in the districts.
Correctional Services Minister Chris Nangoi promised to build a lock-up at Tambul station.
He said Baisu Prison was overcrowded and low-risk prisoners should be sent to in their districts.