The newly appointed Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Barrister James Al Taib Berapai, has pledged to dedicate his entire first salary to support the ongoing construction of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Yambio.
Speaking during Sunday mass at the cathedral, Governor Berapai described the donation as a personal gesture of gratitude to the Church that nurtured him throughout his upbringing.
“In our culture, when you harvest the first produce from your farm, it must be given to the elders,” he said. “Today, I want to say that the Catholic Church raised me, and as Governor, my salary will be channeled to the construction of this cathedral. An account will be opened in the name of the Church.”
The announcement was met with a standing ovation from the congregation, many of whom praised it as a historic act of generosity and a strong testament to the Governor’s faith and commitment to community service.
Governor Berapai called on fellow leaders to give back to institutions that shaped their values, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, service, and spiritual development.
“Your prayers have been answered. God has guided us here. This reception fills us with divine inspiration—it will make us walk as angels of heaven,” he told the gathering.
The Governor also used the opportunity to call for peace, unity, and visionary leadership in the state. Drawing lessons from a recent visit to India, he reflected on the role of leadership in driving development:
“The systems, infrastructure, and people are capable; the difference is leadership. With wise, faithful leadership, Western Equatoria can rise to the level of the most developed nations.”