New Board to revive Waghi Mek Plantation in Jiwaka

Front row from left to right are the new Board of Directors sworn in for Waghi Mek Plantation Ltd; Paul Mai, Richard Stegman, Ms Debbie Kapal, Gabriel Tai (Board Chairman), Roy Nunts, and in the back row are the shareholders from L-R are LLG presidents from Nondugul, Minj, Kudjip, and Banz LLG Presidents with Andrew Hagon (NBC News)

The Waghi Mek Plantation, controversial and public distrust in Jiwaka, will now become a myth as operational heads are now in place, anticipating a comeback of the long-lost glory of the coffee plantation.

The work will start as new board of directors sworn in yesterday, Saturday 31^st, with the appointments of new board chairman and new acting chief executive officer (CEO) for the Waghi Mek Plantation Limited (WMPL).

The new Board Chairman appointed is Gabriel Tai, and the acting CEO is Mark Munnull. Chairman Tai has 40 years’ experience as a public servant, a school teacher, and an inspector. Mr Tai has been Chairman of the Teachers Savings and Loan Society (TISA) for more than 20 years and played a significant role in the organizational growth and transformation over the years.

The new CEO, Mark Munnull is also the current general Manager for the Kosem Kopi Limited and vast experience in coffee industry, with certified coffee export license.

The appointment of the new chairman and acting CEO comes after the new board directors, who were also sworn in yesterday. The five new board of directors are Gabriel Tai [appointed as board chairman], Richard Stegman, Debbie Kapal, Paul Mai, and Roy Nunts Daggy.

Mr Tai said that WMPL had not been in operation for the last two decades, impacts in a decline in cash-flow and employment opportunities.

Mr Tai further acknowledged the Jiwaka Provincial Government, under the leadership of provincial member Simon T. Kaiwi, to take the corporate approach in engaging in reviving the reputable plantation.

He said that the plantation was one of the largest state owned plantation in Jiwaka and will generate huge internal revenue for the province when in operation.

The screening process of the new directors was done independently by the Sam Kiak Tubangliu (SKT) Certified Practicing Accountants, a boutique, financial services firm that was engage in the accounting support service and re-registration process of the WMPL.

In addition, Bradshaw Lawyers was engaged to provide leagal advises and services to meet all regal requirements.

PA Kogen said that the appointment of the board is genuine without political influence and trusts that they will deliver in bringing back the operation of the Waghi Mek Plantation.