Steven Victor has been nominated to head the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment (MAFE) by President Surangel Whipps Jr. The ministerial appointment has been sent to Senate and pending their consent.
Steven Victor is currently the Director of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for the region covering Palau, Guam, Northern Marianas, FSM, Marshall Islands and American Samoa, since 2016. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy Director of TNC from 2009 to 2015.
He also served as the Head of Research Department of Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) from 2003 to 2009.
Mr. Victor according to his bio presented with appointment holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Masters degree in Marine Science and Biology.
President Whipps commended Mr. Victor saying that he is a proven leader and conservationist, who “understands our unique natural environment and the domestic industries that are tied to our land and sea.”
Part of his re-alignment of ministries under the Executive Branch, President Whipps had changed what was previously the Ministry of Natural Resource, Environment, and Tourism (MNRET) into Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Environment (MAFE). Tourism was moved to the new “super” ministry, Ministry of Human Resources, Tourism, Culture & Development (HRTCD).
The justification provided was to create a Ministry that is focused on developing and promoting agriculture and fishery industries while managing the environment.
His nomination is pending Senate action, and if approved, he would be the 5th Minister appointed under Whipps administration. That would leave 3 remaining ministries to be filled, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice. (By: L.N. Reklai)
Victor nominated to head MAFE
