The Ministry of Climate Change and Adaptation farewelled outgoing Director General, Mr Jesse Benjamin as he departs for his new posting at the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

The Minister of Climate Change and Adaptation, Ham Lini Vanuarora said in his official remarks that Mr Benjamin was a man of action during his tenure at the ministry.

“We would like to acknowledge the outgoing DG for the many initiatives achieved and set in motion for a new DG to continue with in the future,” he said.

Mr Benjamin has worn many hats during his time at the MoCCA, he was chairman of the National Advisory Board of the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAB) for a period of 4 years and under his guidance NAB became an example for the CCDRR Coordination both regionally and internationally.

He was also very instrumental in the approvals and implementations of many large scale climate change and disaster risk management projects, energy projects and environment projects.

Mr Lini reiterated that one of the most admirable characteristics of Mr Benjamin was his ‘Open door’ policy.

“His door was always open, he’s an easy-going, open-to-ideas person that any staff within ministry were able to discuss issues relating to climate change and environment easily with him,’ he said.

“We want to congratulate Mr Benjamin for the many achievements during his service to the government and the people of Vanuatu and as the youngest DG in the whole of government ministries, the journey you took was not easy but you rise above all these challenges.”

Mr Benjamin started his career at the Department of Energy and was a former director for DoE before his appointment as DG in 2016.

The Director of Energy, Antony Garae acknowledged Mr Benjamin for his leadership especially on behalf of DoE and mentioned that Benjamin was role model for many currently serving as directors at the MoCCA.

“The positive energy you brought to the ministry and especially for the DoE, made way for the success of many targets and goals set by the Vanuatu government through the MoCCA were achieved and we wish you all the best in your new job,” he said.

The Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency is the Energy unit of the Pacific Community (SPC) based in Tonga.